Politics & Government
SF Native On Humanitarian Mission To Gaza Detained By Israeli Government
U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi called on the Israeli government to provide evidence of charges and guarantee the SF native's rights.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA — San Francisco native Logan Hollarsmith is being held in a high-security prison near the city of Ashdod in Israel after he was detained last week along with hundreds of other activists who were traveling by boat to bring supplies and humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Hollarsmith, 33, captained the Ohwayla vessel, which was intercepted on Thursday, according to the website of Global Sumud Flotilla, the coalition that organized the fleet of 42 boats bringing humanitarian support to Gaza.
The site said 296 members of the flotilla are being held captive and 166 have been freed. The mission of the flotilla was to create a humanitarian corridor to Gaza.
Find out what's happening in Berkeleyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Hollarsmith was born and raised in San Francisco but has lived in Tucson, Arizona for more than five years.
Tucson poet laureate TC Tolbert, who is also a laureate of the American Academy of American Poets, called on his followers to contact the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv and Arizona representatives and senators.
Find out what's happening in Berkeleyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"I stand with Logan and all of the members of the flotilla in saying end the genocide - humanitarian aid is never a crime," Tolbert said on a Facebook statement.
"I believe everyone has a skill set we can use for justice and peace. Let's use our skills to create more safety here at home and across the globe," he said.
Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi called on the Israeli government to immediately grant full consular access, provide evidence of charges and guarantee Hollarsmith's legal rights.
"The right of U.S. citizens to due process and fair treatment under international law must be protected," Pelosi said in a statement. "I stand with the family of Logan Hollarsmith in demanding clarity, accountability, and the safe return of all detainees to their homes. The international community must redouble efforts to deliver aid in Gaza, protect human life, and pursue a just and lasting peace that ensures security for both Israelis and Palestinians."
By Ruth Dusseault, Bay City News
