Solidarity with the Global Sumud Flotilla
KNOW Demands Protection for Local Resident Khalid Jamal as Israel Intercepts Dozens of Ships of the Global Sumud Flotilla
Kalamazoo Nonviolent Opponents of War (KNOW) firmly maintains its solidarity with the Global Sumud Flotilla crew as its ships prepare to make landfall on the besieged Gaza Strip amidst increasing threats of violence and intimidation from Israel. We adamantly condemn the active support that the United States and its accomplices have shown for the ongoing genocide in Gaza, including the lack of conviction displayed by the nations who have chosen to abandon the mission and our comrades. KNOW reaffirms its support for all forms of resistance to the occupational forces that continue to brutalize, starve, and displace the people of Palestine.
As of today, at least 13 vessels from the flotilla have been intercepted by Israeli naval forces, some of which have been boarded, while attempting to deliver humanitarian aid into Gaza. These interceptions are happening far from the coast—in international or disputed waters—making them not just provocative, but blatantly illegal under international maritime law. The sheer scale of this coordinated assault underscores a chilling message: Israel is determined to prevent any relief from reaching Gaza, even at the cost of international law, human rights, and civilian lives.
This mission is not abstract. Our longtime member, neighbor, and friend, Khalid Jamal, is aboard the Flotilla’s ship Spectre. Khalid is a loving father of two and a founding member of KNOW. He has been a committed peace activist for over 20 years and has tirelessly advocated for peace across the MENA region, particularly for Palestine, the land of his heritage. Khalid has called Kalamazoo home for more than 30 years, where he is not only a neighbor, but also a dedicated community member, volunteer, and advocate for the oppressed. He previously sailed with the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, when his ship, the Conscience, was bombed by Israel off the coast of Malta on May 2, 2025. Despite that cowardly drone attack, Khalid has returned with courage, determination, and conviction. We encourage all community members to support Khalid and stand with him.
As the Flotilla is abandoned by the Italian naval forces and pressured to retreat, we can only assume that other nations who have pledged support will not uphold their duty to protect our friends and community members, just as the most powerful nations in the world have failed to uphold the rights of the Palestinian people. As the crew faces these attacks alone, we urge communities across the world to continue mounting support for the survivors who await aid in Gaza.
Gaza has been under a land, air, and sea blockade imposed by Israel since 2007. This blockade has created one of the most severe humanitarian crises in the world, cutting off free movement, restricting food, water, fuel, and medicine, and leaving over 2 million Palestinians trapped in what human rights organizations have called the world’s largest open-air prison. For nearly two decades, international attempts to break the siege and deliver aid have been violently suppressed, including multiple attacks on humanitarian flotillas. The world must not remain silent while Israel threatens civilians engaged in a nonviolent humanitarian mission to deliver food, medicine, and baby formula to families who have been deliberately starved.
KNOW calls upon community members of the greater Kalamazoo area to:
Join Us in the Streets: We will gather in front of Kalamazoo County Democratic Party Headquarters located at 3234 S Westnedge Ave on Thursday, October 2nd, from 4:30PM–5:30PM to demand immediate action for Khalid, the Flotilla, and the people of Gaza.
Call the State Department: Insist on immediate protection and diplomatic intervention for U.S. citizens aboard the flotilla, including Khalid Jamal. Phone: 888-407-4747
Amplify the Message: Share Khalid’s story, share the Flotilla’s mission, and remind others that ordinary people should not have to risk their lives to do what governments and institutions have failed to do—deliver aid and demand justice.
Time is not on our side. Every second the flotilla remains under threat, another life is at risk. Every call, every gathering, every voice raises the cost of complicity..
We cannot wait for another massacre before speaking out. Together, let us stand with Khalid—our neighbor, father, and activist—and with the people of Gaza who refuse to be broken.
In solidarity,
Kalamazoo Nonviolent Opponents of War
