Arizona Sailor Amongst Hundreds Detained by Israel During Gaza Aid Mission
In a daring attempt to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, a Tucson resident was among approximately 450 activists detained by Israeli forces at sea. Logan Hollarsmith, an experienced sailor, was part of a flotilla carrying essential supplies, including baby formula and medical items, which set sail from Barcelona in August.
In a video shared on social media, Hollarsmith declared, “If you are watching this video, I’ve been abducted by Israeli forces on the high seas. Our humanitarian mission is nonviolent and abides by international law.”
His mother, Sidney Hollar, emphasized her son’s commitment to the cause, mentioning that the flotilla included numerous U.S. veterans and ordinary citizens, alongside notable figures such as members of the European Parliament and Nelson Mandela’s grandson. “These were ordinary people on these boats,” she highlighted.
Sidney recounted her last contact with Hollarsmith before communication ceased on a night when the Israeli military was seen boarding some of the flotilla’s vessels. A distressing moment came when she received a satellite SOS alert from him.
Choosing to challenge their detention, Hollarsmith and his fellow activists declined Israel’s offer of voluntary deportation. According to the Associated Press, they were held at the Ktziot prison in Israel’s Negev desert, a facility known for detaining Palestinian prisoners.
While Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and 170 others from various countries were deported to Greece and Slovakia, the U.S. Consulate in Jerusalem informed Sidney that her son’s release could be imminent, yet his next destination remains uncertain.
Sidney expressed immense pride in her son and his companions for their bravery and dedication to a humanitarian cause, stating, “I’m really proud of him, I’m really proud of all of them, I think they are amazingly strong, to do this, knowing what could possibly happen, but just for the greater good, and the world is watching.”
Logan Hollarsmith is no stranger to humanitarian efforts, having previously faced legal challenges for providing aid on the U.S.-Mexico border, an experience that aligns with the struggles faced by aid workers globally. Aryanna Tischler from No More Deaths noted the parallels between the crises in Gaza and the U.S. border.
Sidney has reached out to Arizona representatives, including Sens. Ruben Gallego and Mark Kelly, for assistance. A spokesperson for Gallego confirmed ongoing communication with Hollarsmith’s family and urged the U.S. Department of State to facilitate his release.
The State Department labeled the flotilla’s mission as a “deliberate and unnecessary provocation” but remains in dialogue with Israeli authorities to secure the activists’ release. However, the department has not disclosed the exact number of detained Americans or the charges they face.
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