(CLEVELAND, OH, 10/2/2025) – The Cleveland chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today urged Ohioans and all Americans to call on their State and Federal Representatives and Senators to demand the immediate release of U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Phil Tottenham of Toledo, Ohio, who was kidnapped by Israeli forces while participating in the Gaza Freedom Flotilla.
The flotilla, comprised of more than 40 smaller boats, was carrying humanitarian aid in an effort to end the forced starvation of Gaza’s civilian population. Tottenham and fellow civilian volunteers were seized by Israeli forces in violation of international law.
Ohioans are demanding that their representatives take swift action to secure Tottenham’s release and ensure the protection of all U.S. citizens participating in peaceful humanitarian missions abroad. Advocacy organizations are urging constituents to contact their Members of Congress and the White House to hold Israel accountable and defend Americans exercising their right to provide humanitarian aid.
The Gaza Freedom Flotilla is part of an international campaign to end the blockade on Gaza and deliver essential medical supplies to women, children, and other civilians in desperate need. Tottenham’s courageous efforts reflect the growing movement among U.S. veterans and activists who are standing up for justice and human rights.
In a statement, CAIR- Cleveland Executive Director Faten Husni Odeh said:
“Phil Tottenham, an Ohio veteran who put his life on the line for this country, is now being unjustly held for standing up for human rights. His abduction by Israeli forces is not only a violation of international law but an assault on the values we claim to uphold as Americans—freedom, justice, and the protection of those who act with conscience. Every elected official has a moral and constitutional duty to intervene immediately. Silence is complicity, and Ohioans will not stand silent while one of our own is targeted for delivering humanitarian aid.”
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR-Cleveland & Northern Ohio Executive Director, Faten Odeh (216) 830-2247, fodeh@cair.com