Breaking the Siege on Gaza

Messages from Palestinians in Gaza in support of the Global Sumud Flotilla

Emergency protest for Gaza in support of the Global Sumud Flotilla (Bristol, UK, 2 October 2025). Photo by Rebecca Ruth Gould.

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I was asked to share a message of support for a friend of a friend, Benn, who is currently making his way to Gaza aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla. I thought the best way of doing this was by sharing messages from my friends in Gaza, all of whom are members of The Lighthouse Collective. Below are the messages for Benn and everyone on board the Global Sumud Flotilla that they shared with me on 16 April 2026. I have also shared links to past stories by my friends.

Please amplify the journey of the Global Sumud Flotilla as much as possible during this week. They are scheduled to arrive in Gaza by the end of the week. Its progress can be tracked here.

Message from Lujayn

To Mr. Benn, the hero of hope and truth, I write to you this message on behalf of all the children of Gaza, who see in you the honest, righteous, and great hero. With your determination to break the siege imposed on us, you provide us with hope, patience, strength, and steadfastness. You are for us a light that illuminates our dark paths, and we are certain that God will accompany you and your fellow heroes until you reach the shores of Gaza safely.

All the students and teachers in our schools will speak of your heroic deed and your fellow heroes, and we will immortalize your story in our curricula to be a beacon of inspiration for future generations.

As for me, Lujayn, I will embroider with my own hands a piece bearing your name, and I will wait for you on the Gaza shore to present it to you as a gift from a child who believes in you. I love you very much, Benn, just as we love everyone who brings us goodness and freedom.

With peace and sincere prayers,

Lujayn and the children of Gaza

Arabic text of Lujayn’s message to Benn

Message from Lana

Dear Mr. Benn,

I am Lana, a paediatrician in Gaza. Every day, my team and I care for the children here, and I want you to know that we all hold you and your colleagues in our hearts and prayers. Your heroic act of challenging the oppressors to break the siege on Gaza is, and will always remain an inspiration to all noble and brave people around the world. We look forward with hope and warmth to receiving you and your friends on the shores of Gaza.

With deepest respect and gratitude,

Lana

[embed]I have recorded these messages in support of the Global Sumud Flotilla here.

Message from Captain Eissa

To Benn and all the brave souls aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, I salute you, and every steadfast heart sailing with you. May the seas grant you safe and smooth passage, and may fair winds guide your noble course. As a master mariner myself, I know full well the trials you will surely face, the restless swells, the long watches, the unyielding weight of purpose, and the dark shadows cast by evil enemies who would seek to hinder your righteous voyage.

From the bottom of my heart, I wish I stood there on your deck, shoulder to shoulder, to meet every challenge and overcome every obstacle, and every adversary, together. Dear Benn, my crew and I shall be awaiting your safe arrival at our shores. Until that blessed moment, know that you are held in our hearts, our thoughts, and our prayers. A solemn salute to you, my sisters and brothers of the sea onboard Sumud Flotilla. Fair winds and following seas.

For more stories by The Lighthouse Collective, see this list:

[embed]List: The Lighthouse Collective: Stories from Palestine | Curated by Rebecca Ruth Gould, PhD |… The Lighthouse Collective: Stories from Palestine · The Lighthouse Collective curates, edits & translates stories by…rrgould.medium.com