US activist Chris Smalls returns post Israeli detention, vows more Gaza flotillas

NEW YORK: American labour activist Chris Smalls has returned to New York on August 1 following his reported detention by Israeli forces while aboard a Gaza-bound aid ship Handala as part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition.

Smalls, best known for leading a successful unionisation campaign at Amazon’s Staten Island warehouse in 2020, was among 21 activists said to have been apprehended in international waters on July 27. The flotilla was carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza in a symbolic protest against Israel’s blockade of the besieged Palestinian territory.

According to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, Smalls endured discriminatory treatment while in custody and was “physically assaulted by seven uniformed individuals”, allegedly choked and kicked, with visible bruising on his neck and back. The Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel confirmed that he was held for five days in an Israeli prison.

While speaking briefly to CBS News New York, Smalls did not detail his treatment, only saying that he was “exhausted” and had observed a hunger strike during his detention.

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The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) referred media queries to the Israeli foreign ministry, which has yet to issue a response.

Smalls was welcomed by family and supporters at John F. Kennedy International Airport on Friday. “Free Gaza. Free the people of Palestine. That’s all it’s about,” he said upon arrival.

Supporters hailed his actions as an act of international solidarity. “He took a stand for Palestinian freedom, not knowing if he would return. We salute him,” said Stephen Millies, a longtime activist.

Despite the ordeal, Smalls vowed to continue supporting Gaza-bound aid efforts. “We’re going to send another flotilla. And another one after that. We’re never going to quit.”