We, UN4Pal, unequivocally condemn the violent assault and ongoing detention of Chris Smalls, a prominent American labor organizer and co-founder of the Amazon Labor Union, by the Israeli Occupation Forces.
On July 26, 2025, while aboard the humanitarian vessel Handala—part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition mission delivering food and medical aid to Gaza—Chris Smalls was illegally seized in international waters. Since his detention, he has endured violent physical assault, including being choked and kicked by Israeli authorities while in custody. This treatment constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and human rights.
Smalls’ presence on the flotilla was an act of moral courage, driven by a commitment to human dignity, justice, and the right of all people to live free from siege and occupation. That he has now become a victim of political violence—for seeking to alleviate suffering—should be a wake-up call to every labor, human rights, and civil society organization around the world.
We call on union leaders, labor federations, and rank-and-file members across the globe to:
🚨 Speak out publicly and demand the immediate and unconditional release of Chris Smalls and all other humanitarians detained by Israeli forces.
🚨 Denounce the violent and unlawful assault committed against Smalls while in Israeli custody.
🚨 Join us in standing in solidarity with all people resisting siege, occupation, and repression—from Palestine to Turtle Island and across Abya Yala.
An attack on one organizer is an attack on us all. The labor movement cannot be silent when one of its own is being brutalized for standing up for humanity.
We stand with Chris. We demand justice. We will not be silent. We stand with all those speaking up to end the siege end the occupation and end the occupation !
#FreeChrisSmalls
#HandsOffTheFlotilla
#LaborSolidarityWithPalestine
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