On Wednesday, October 15, the Florida chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Florida), the state’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, plans to hold a press conference featuring two Florida residents who recently returned home after being abducted in international waters by Israeli armed forces while participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla (Gaza Aid Flotilla).
The flotilla’s mission was to deliver humanitarian aid to starving civilians in Gaza. Among those detained were Dr. Dia’a Daoud, a Daytona Beach resident, and Egan Louis Moore, a Tampa resident. Both were kidnapped by Israeli forces on October 8 and subjected to detention and mistreatment before their eventual release.
Dr. Daoud was released and sent to Türkiye (Turkey) before returning to Florida through Miami on the night of October 11. Moore, held longer than many other flotilla participants, was released in Jordan on October 12 and arrived back in Florida on October 13.
CAIR-Florida will host a press conference to allow these returning aid workers to share their personal experiences, accounts of mistreatment, and testimony about the conditions they endured in the flotilla and while in Israeli custody.
WHEN: Wednesday October 15, at 12 pm (noon)
WHERE: CAIR-Florida Tampa office: 8076 N 56th St, Tampa, FL 33617
and online Instagram streaming: @CAIRFlorida
WHO: CAIR-Florida Deputy Executive Director Hiba Rahim, returning flotilla participants Dr. Dia’a Daoud and Egan Louis Moore, faith leaders, and community advocates.
In a statement, CAIR-Florida Deputy Executive Director Hiba Rahim said:
“When the Sumud Flotilla set sail, its goal was simple yet profound — to force the world to look at Gaza and confront the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe. Though its ships were seized and its crews detained, its moral momentum remains unsinkable. What began on the decks of aid boats has now reached the hearts of people around the world and the attention of global leaders. That courage and compassion cannot be silenced, and it continues to expose the injustice faced by Palestinians every day.”
Earlier this week, CAIR National called on the international community to demand the immediate release of more than 150 activists and aid workers still being held by Israel following the flotilla’s interception.
SEE: CAIR Calls for Release of Remaining Flotilla Activists Held Captive by Israel
CAIR-Florida’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR-Florida es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
CONTACT:
Wilfredo A. Ruiz, CAIR-Florida Communications Director, (305)502-6749; wruiz@cair.com; Hiba Rahim, CAIR-Florida Deputy Executirve Director, (813)705-5432hrahim@cair.com