ISTANBUL — An Italian humanitarian activist who was part of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) to Gaza has reportedly embraced Islam after being detained by Israeli authorities.
Tommaso Bortolazzi, captain of the Maria Cristina, said he chose to embrace Islam following his release from Israeli detention.
“My crew was from Turkiye and almost all of them were Muslims,” he told reporters in Istanbul after arriving from Israel.
Bortolazzi said he joined the GSF mission because he felt it was the right thing to do, NST reported.
“I did it for the people of Palestine and also for my country, because we cannot stand by and watch another massacre.
“The last days in prison were very difficult.
“My friends (other detainees) from Turkiye were almost all Muslims.
“We went through terrifying moments and were afraid because our lives were at risk together, but we stayed united,” he added.
In a video interview with Anadolu Agency uploaded on the news agency’s TikTok account, Bortolazzi said he felt like a newborn baby after embracing Islam.
“This morning, while my friends were praying, Israeli police and soldiers entered and stopped them. I felt the need to stand against this.
“After that, with my friends, I recited the syahadah (the Islamic declaration of faith).
“I chose this (to embrace Islam) for myself. It feels like being born again, and I’m very happy,” he said, expressing hope that all free and democratic countries would ‘enjoy’ standing up against Israel.
Video of Bortolazzi sharing his experience of embracing Islam during the interview with the Turkish news agency went viral.
“My company was from Türkiye and almost all were Muslims”
— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) October 4, 2025
“While they were praying, the police of the Israeli occupation force came inside and impeded them.”
“I felt the need to oppose this and after, with my friend, I said the shahadah”
Italian activist Tommaso Bortolazzi,… pic.twitter.com/PPbPlmi7sl
