Sumud Fleet Activists: “The world will never go back to how it was before October 7.”
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Istanbul Commerce University’s Ahî Çelebi Campus hosted a meaningful gathering following its reconstruction and reopening. The first event held in the historic building of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, which is also Palestine’s first chamber of commerce, was attended by activists from the Global Sumud Fleet and was titled “From River to Sea, From Sea to Gaza: A panel discussion titled “Free Palestine” took place. The panelists emphasized that October 7 was a turning point for the world and the conscience of humanity.
The voice of the global conscience, which has not remained silent in the face of the century-long occupation of Palestine and the ongoing humanitarian tragedy in Gaza, this time echoed at the Eminönü campus of Istanbul Commerce University. The panel, organized with the participation of Global SUMUD Fleet Activists and in collaboration with the Palestine Initiative, was moderated by Dr. Hüseyin Durmaz, SUMUD Fleet Turkey Coordinator. The event featured journalist Ersin Çelik, attorney Gülden Sönmez, Muhammed Fatih Sinan from the Open Rafah Movement, and journalist Sena Polat from the North Africa Delegation as speakers. The event, which featured opening remarks by Board of Trustees Chairman Dr. İsrafil Kuralay and Rector Prof. Dr. Necip Şimşek, was attended by Higher Education Quality Council Member and Yıldız Technical University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Vatan Karakaya, deans, academics, students, and members of the press.
PROF. DR. ŞİMŞEK: “SUMUD IS, IN FACT, THE INSISTENCE OF ALL HUMANITY”
Rector Prof. Dr. Şimşek emphasized in his speech that the Palestinian and Gaza issues hold particular importance for the university. Prof. Dr. Şimşek said, “Sumud is, in fact, the persistence of all humanity. Names we all know well were on those ships. We watched the live broadcasts moment by moment and prayed for them to achieve their goals. We believe that the Sumud movement played one of the biggest roles in securing the ceasefire in Gaza.” In his speech, Prof. Dr. Şimşek emphasized the common ground of humanity, stating, “We know that everyone here is acting out of a sense of humanity. There is no need for any other common ground. Your humanity brought you here.”
Palestine’s first chamber of commerce was the Ahi Celebi Campus.
Dr. Kuralay noted that the event was the first program held at the Ahî Çelebi Campus. Dr. Kuralay said, “This historic building previously hosted the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce’s council meetings. Now it has been revitalized and takes its name from the adjacent Ahî Çelebi Mosque. From the Chamber of Commerce established in 1882 to the present day, the origins of nearly 50 countries’ chambers of commerce trace back to Istanbul. Palestine’s first chamber of commerce was also located here. This place is also very valuable in historical terms.” Dr. Kuralay concluded his speech by saying, “We wanted this program to be a prayer for Palestine. I hope that the speeches made here will resonate in the skies of Palestine. I have been concerned with the Palestinian issue for half a century. God willing, one day we will be able to pray Friday prayers with our brothers and sisters in Gaza at the Al-Aqsa Mosque.”
DR. DURMAZ: “THE MASK OF ZIONISM HAS NOW FALLEN ACROSS THE ENTIRE WORLD”
The panel moderator, Dr. Durmaz, stated in his speech that the events following October 7 marked a turning point in human history. “For the first time, the true face of Zionism has been clearly seen by the world,” said Dr. Durmaz, emphasizing that even Western societies have begun to question their own values. Dr. Durmaz said, “Until October 7, Zionism manipulated the Western world with its narrative of victimhood. However, when the painful realities in Gaza were laid bare, the face behind this lie was also exposed. People are now realizing how their governments are complicit in this hypocrisy by supporting this oppression.”
ÇELİK: “THE WORLD WILL NEVER RETURN TO THE WAY IT WAS BEFORE OCTOBER 7”
Activist journalist Ersin Çelik began his speech by sharing his experiences with the Sumud Fleet. Thanking Istanbul Commerce University for hosting this meaningful gathering, Çelik pointed out that the Sumud Fleet is not only a humanitarian aid initiative but also a symbol of global conscience, saying, “This journey showed the world that humanity cannot remain silent. The boats were bombed, but no activist took a step back. Each stood like a sentinel of humanity. This determination thwarted Israel’s propaganda and turned the world media’s attention to Gaza.” Çelik said, “The social media resistance broke the silence of traditional media. The reflex shown by young people in the face of Israel’s digital manipulations made a huge difference. Today, young generations in Europe and America are standing up to demand accountability for the children of Gaza. The world will not return to what it was before October 7. History will change in favor of humanity.”
POLAT: “GAZA’S RESISTANCE IS REDEFINING HUMANITY”
Journalist Sena Polat also spoke about her commitment to Palestine both as a journalist and as a human being. Polat, recounting his experiences during the Welfare March, stated that Gaza is not just a geography, but a mirror of humanity. Polat said, “The difference of the people of Gaza is their dignity and resilience. They have a tiny piece of land but a tremendous will. They are a people who know how to smile amid the ruins, who do not give up on life. These people, who love life deeply but do not fear death, are the greatest force Israel cannot defeat.” Polat concluded his speech by sharing his personal story: “I lost many friends I knew in Gaza. A family of 30 was wiped out in one night. But their story is not just one of suffering; it is a symbol of resistance with dignity. That is why I say: The liberation of Gaza is the liberation of the world. Because when Gaza is free, humanity will breathe again.”
SİNAN: “NOW IT’S NOT JUST PALESTINE SUPPORTERS, THERE ARE ALSO ANTI-ZIONISTS”
Muhammed Fatih Sinan from the Open Refah Movement, meanwhile, shared his personal experiences in an emotional tone while recounting his journey to the Palestinian cause in his speech. “What binds me to this struggle are the examples I have seen since childhood,” said Sinan, noting that interest in Gaza has now become a global consciousness. Sinan said, “Gaza showed the world the true face of Zionism at a great cost, during the darkest period in human history,” adding that today, not only pro-Palestinian activists but also anti-Zionists have risen up. Sinan said, “From Italy to Spain, from America to South Korea, the squares were filled. People took to the streets against their governments’ silence. This is humanity’s rebirth. Because now, standing on the side of justice is not a choice, it is a necessity.” At the end of his speech, Sinan delivered the following message: “Each of us must ask ourselves what we are doing for Palestine in our own lives. If we are the same today as we were before October 7, then we are failing to do something. We must take responsibility before we criticize. Because we are the ones who form institutions, movements, and communities. Without individual change, the system cannot change.”
Atty. SÖNMEZ: “ACTIVISM KEEPS HUMANITY HUMAN”
In her speech, lawyer Gülden Sönmez added depth to the concept of “activism,” defining it not only as a political stance but as a natural human reflex. Attorney Sönmez said, “Just as it is a deficiency for an artist not to pour their feelings onto canvas, or for an academic not to put their knowledge into practice, it is the same deficiency for a person not to act on their conscience. Activism keeps us human because it transforms us from passive spectators into active subjects.” Sönmez noted that the Sumud Fleet is a product of this consciousness, adding, “Sumud is a movement of hope. The ships do not merely carry aid to Gaza; they carry the conscience of humanity. With these ships, we sought to break not only the blockade but also the injustice. Because Gaza’s right to live with dignity is our human obligation.” Sönmez concluded his remarks by addressing young people: “Israel may appear strong, but it is actually experiencing its weakest period. Because it is afraid. It is afraid of conscience, afraid of humanity. You can be the conscience of this era with your thoughts, your creations, your voice. Activism is not an action, it is a way of life.” During the question-and-answer session following the panel, participants asked the speakers questions about the future of Palestine. At the end of the program, the panelists were presented with model ships symbolizing the Sumud Fleet. The event concluded with a group photo.
