The Big Story A life-risking trip to deliver aid to Gaza: an Ontario woman shares her story
Sep 23, 2025
Zaheera Soomar, a Toronto-based pro-Palestinian activist and member of the Global Sumud/Freedom Flotilla Movement, takes us on her daring mission to deliver aid to Gaza. From her boat in the Mediterranean, she shares the challenges faced by the flotilla, including previous interceptions and drone threats. Zaheera discusses her motivations rooted in South African solidarity and the intense training involved. She emphasizes the mission's goal of breaking the siege to establish a humanitarian corridor, highlighting her unwavering commitment to activism.
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On The Boat In The Mediterranean
- Zaheera Soomar joined a flotilla in the Mediterranean, currently amid 36 other boats heading toward Gaza.
- She describes being in the middle of the sea between Italy and Greece after weeks of travel and training.
Flotilla's Humanitarian Objective
- The Global Sumud Flotilla is part of the Freedom Flotilla Movement aiming to break an alleged illegal siege on Gaza.
- The mission's purpose is to establish a humanitarian corridor to deliver aid to Palestinians in Gaza.
Life As Boat Manager
- As boat manager, Zaheera coordinates duties, training, meetings, drills and night watches to keep the mission organized.
- She reports broken sleep, daily strategy calls, safety and attack drills, and continuous coordination with other boats and captains.