Zionism will not be defeated overnight

During the Israeli occupation forces’ raid on the Mavi Marmara in international waters, I was in New York for language study. As soon as I heard about the incident, we rushed with friends to Times Square, the heart of New York, and joined the crowd gathering there. At the protest, alongside Muslims of every nationality, there were also a significant number of Americans and anti-Israel Jews. In the student house where we were staying, I had written English and Hebrew slogans on cardboard signs; we carried the placards side by side with those Jews at the demonstration.The 2010 Mavi Marmara incident was the first and largest attempt to break the air, land, and sea blockade imposed by Israel on Gaza since 2007. Ultimately, perhaps it was not “successful,” but it can easily be said that Mavi Marmara played a pioneering role in the developments that followed.

From the perspective of the Palestinians, the meaning of Mavi Marmara was this: “For the first time since the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, Turks gave their blood and lives for Palestine.” This was at the same time proof of the claims made until then and the fulfillment of promises given. Even though it did not reach their shores, the Palestinians warmly embraced Mavi Marmara. In fact, a monument was built at Gaza port in memory of the Mavi Marmara martyrs. One of the first places Israel bombed on the Gaza coast in November 2023 was this very monument. It was also a symbol for the Zionists.

Fifteen years on, today the number of ships that have set out to break the inhuman blockade of Gaza has reached 44. I am not even counting those that were stranded, had engine trouble, or were forced to withdraw from the voyage. Because hundreds of people from many countries around the world are joining the Global Sumud Flotilla, the blockade-breaking operation has gained a universal character. Israel is now facing tidal waves of anger involving millions of people across the world. The days are on the horizon when being a Zionist Jew will be considered almost equivalent to carrying a plague virus. Israel’s current unhinged government lacks the foresight to grasp this situation, but the lights at the end of the tunnel have already appeared. The Sumud Flotilla is one of the most concrete signs of this. This will not stop here; its continuation will come, larger and angrier. Those who live will witness many surprising developments in our region.

At present, our dear friend Ersin Çelik and many other acquaintances, friends, and elders are being held hostage by the Israeli occupation forces. As their families declared to the world from the very first moment, we are proud of them for this courageous act. Even though our hearts beat with small anxieties for their safety, the great sacrifice they have shouldered on behalf of all of us has already granted them an honor that will suffice them for this world and the next. Our wish is that they return safely to their homes and families as soon as possible. All our prayers are for this.

It is necessary not to belittle crowds or actions initiated by civil initiatives in any way. Sometimes, things that states, for one reason or another, cannot undertake are realized by the hands of the masses. Sometimes, even the fact that states do not reach out or intervene may be better for the integrity and soundness of the outcome. Civil and independent will produces a power that must not be underestimated. This is another truth that the Sumud Flotilla has shown all of us.

All over the world, the anti-Zionist and anti-Israel current is strengthening and deepening at every level. Everything is advancing step by step. The circle is tightening around Israel. For governments that invest in Israel or tie their existence to Israel, the countdown has begun in the same way. Some of these governments are unfortunately in the Islamic world. They, too, are obliged to read the situation promptly and position and orient themselves in the most correct way. Otherwise they will not be able to escape the storm that will erupt.

The Zionists did not reach their current power in a single day. Therefore the loss of that power will not happen easily, overnight. But the momentum has begun. For those who have eyes, daylight has broken. There is no turning back from this point.