Italian activist Tommaso Portolazi, who participated in the Global Freedom Flotilla and was detained by the Israeli navy, announced that he has converted to Islam.
In an interview with Turkish channel TRT at Istanbul Airport, Portolazi spoke about his experience, saying: “This journey began out of my love for the Palestinian people, and the moment felt right to make this decision.”
He recounted the details of his detention by Israeli forces as the flotilla approached Gaza, explaining that he and other activists endured harsh treatment over three days in prison. He stated: “They used violence against us, deprived us of water, sleep, and necessities.”
Portolazi described the moment he decided to embrace Islam while sharing a cell with eight Muslim activists from Turkey and Malaysia. He said, “One morning, while they were praying, the police stormed the cell. I felt this was inhumane and tried to resist. It was a violation of their beliefs. Afterwards, I spoke with my cellmates, and they suggested I recite the Shahada. At that moment, I felt it was the right step, and I declared my Islam out of my love for the Palestinian people.”
He confirmed that the first thing he plans to do upon returning to Rome is to visit a mosque to formally affirm his conversion.
The Italian activist also called on his government to take a firm stance, stating: “Italy should follow Turkey’s example and take concrete steps to stop supporting Israel, including halting arms sales to it.”
