Italian Flotilla Captain Converts to Islam Following Detention by Israeli Authorities

Tommasa Bortolazzi, an Italian humanitarian activist and captain of the Maria Cristin, part of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) mission to Gaza, converted to Islam after being detained by Israeli authorities. He revealed that he embraced Islam upon his release and shared his experience in Istanbul.

“My crew was from Turkiye and almost all of them were Muslims,” Bortolazzi told reporters after arriving from Israel. He explained that his motivation for joining the GSF mission was driven by his support for the Palestinian people and his commitment to his country’s values.

“I did it for the people of Palestine and also for my country, because we cannot stand by and watch another massacre,” he said.

Describing his time in detention as extremely challenging, Bortolazzi added, “The last days in prison were very difficult.” He noted that his fellow detainees from Turkey, mostly Muslims, helped him stay united during the frightening moments they endured.

In a video interview with Anadolu Agency, shared on TikTok, Bortolazzi described his conversion as a profound personal rebirth. “This morning, while my friends were praying, Israeli police and soldiers entered and stopped them. I felt the need to stand against this. After that, with my friends, I recited the syahadah (the Islamic declaration of faith). I chose this (to embrace Islam) for myself. It feels like being born again, and I’m very happy,” he said.

Bortolazzi expressed hope that all free and democratic countries would take a stand against Israel’s actions.

The video also featured a man recounting how Bortolazzi sought reassurance about being accepted as a Muslim despite having tattoos. The man confirmed, “Yes,” and explained that he helped Bortolazzi recite the syahadah inside the prison van.

“In the prison van, he repeated the words after me, and he became a Muslim,” he added. The video concluded with Bortolazzi embracing the man, believed to be one of the GSF volunteers detained alongside him since Thursday.