As the Mavi Marmara Association for Freedom and Solidarity, together with İHH Children Istanbul, Umutol Humanitarian Aid Association, and Yetim Vakfı, we are preparing a special festival for children. Taking place at Şehzadebaşı Mosque on Saturday, September 19, the Aksa Heroes Children’s Festival will offer a joyful day filled with games, art, technology and activities centered around Jerusalem.

A report published by Israel’s Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism has examined efforts by activists and legal professionals based in Türkiye to gather information on Turkish-Israeli dual nationals who have served in the Israeli military and to pursue legal action against them. The report indicates that investigations have covered a range of information, from social media accounts to military units, while dossiers prepared from these findings have been used in legal applications. It also refers to a broader network that includes organizations linked to the Mavi Marmara movement.

As the unlawful blockade and siege of Gaza continue, the Freedom Flotilla has set sail once again. The new journey from European ports to Gaza brings together human rights defenders, healthcare workers, journalists, trade union representatives and volunteers who stand for Palestinian freedom. The flotilla aims to reach the shores of Gaza in October 2026.

We are taking a new step at the Tent Education Campuses we established to ensure that children in Gaza are not deprived of their education. we have launched the “We Carry the Future to Gaza” project to provide 5000 students across our three campuses with school bags and educational kits.

In response to the occupying regime’s treatment of even children’s kites as a threat in Gaza, we came together at Başakşehir National Garden for an act of solidarity. Together with children, we released our kites into the sky and sent a message to their peers in Gaza: “Kites Will Fly Freely in Gaza Too. Gaza Will Be Free.”

Children flying kites among the ruins of Gaza are being portrayed by the Israeli authorities as a security threat. Following Defense Minister Yisrael Katz’s call for a forceful response, threats of intensified attacks and forced displacement in certain areas have emerged. Families in Gaza have condemned the targeting of the last simple joys left to children living under the shadow of war.

The 2026 War Abolisher Award Presented to the Freedom Flotilla and Global Sumud

The historic Al-Quds Mosque in Yarmouk Refugee Camp, which was severely damaged during the war, has been restored by Mavi Marmara Association and reopened for worship. The restoration of this symbol of resilience and community is encouraging displaced families to return to the area.

Ten international activists who were part of the Global Sumud Land Convoy, launched to break the siege on Gaza, have been released after 31 days of unlawful detention.

Our students studying at the Tent Education Campus we established in Gaza through the cooperation of the Mavi Marmara Association and UDEF have graduated. Despite all difficulties, the children who never gave up on their education received their diplomas.

Hanzala 2, which set sail to challenge the naval blockade imposed on Gaza and draw global attention to the humanitarian crisis in the region, continues its journey with determination.

As part of our 2026 Qurbani campaign, the Mavi Marmara Association successfully carried out humanitarian efforts across 15 countries, sacrificing 8,200 shares of Qurbani and reaching more than 60,000 people in need.