The Madleen ship, which set sail across the Mediterranean to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, was attacked by Israeli forces in international waters. Embarking on a peaceful mission, the ship departed from Sicily, Italy, on June 1, 2025. On board were activists from various countries, including Germany, Turkey, France, Sweden, and Brazil.

As the Mavi Marmara Association, we continued to support regions in need as part of our 2025 Qurbani efforts. We successfully carried out Qurbani distributions in Gaza, in Lebanon where many Palestinians reside, and across several regions in Africa—including Tanzania, Somalia, and Benin.

Especially after October 7, while the occupying power Israel escalated its attacks, institutions with power—most notably the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and various states—failed to take any concrete steps. In contrast, it was the will of the people that rose up in solidarity, as civil society took action to stand with the people of Gaza.

With your support, we will once again reach those in need during this Qurbani season.

The new ship Madleen, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, has set sail to break the siege and raise its voice against the genocide in Gaza! On June 1st (today), the ship departed from Sicily, Italy, with 12 activists on board, sailing for the freedom of Gaza!

Amid the ongoing food crisis, we have distributed flour in Gaza with your generous support.

With the slogan “The Blessed Journey Continues,” we have stood by the oppressed and those in need since the very first day of our establishment—and we continue to do so. In this spirit of unity and sharing, we will carry out Qurbani sacrifices during Eid al-Adha in regions where people struggle to survive under the shadow of genocide—such as Palestine—and in poverty-stricken areas across Africa.

Çiğdem Topçular, Wife of Mavi Marmara Martyr Çetin Topçular and a Survivor of the Attack, Has Passed Away