Somali-Finnish activist Shifaa Abdi, who was among hundreds of activists detained by Israeli forces while taking part in the Global Sumud Flotilla bound for Gaza, received a rousing welcome on her return to Helsinki on Tuesday.
Shifaa and fellow Finnish activists Renaz Ebrahimi, Juho Pirhonen, Iida-Liina Häkkinen and Kata-Riina Tikka were wlecomed at the Helsinki–Vantaa Airport by dozens of supporters, family members and Somali community leaders.
The activist recounted harrowing experiences while under Israeli detention, describing cold cells, lack of food,and disrupted sleep.
“We were kept in freezing conditions, denied food, and guards would bang on the cell doors or turn the lights on to stop us from sleeping,” Abdi said. “It was cruel and degrading.”
Courage and conscience
Many among Finland’s Somali community said Abdi’s participation in the flotilla symbolized both courage and conscience. They said they prayed for her safe return throughout her detention.
“At times, we could only pray and hope,” said one community leader at the airport.
“We had no contact with Shifaa, but today we welcome her back with pride and gratitude. We are truly proud of her,” said Mahamuud Shire.
“Finding a young girl being the only participant of Somali origin to take the journey to deliver aid to Gaza is a moment of great pride.”
Israeli naval forces attacked and seized vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla beginning Wednesday and detained more than 470 activists from over 50 countries.
Days of uncertainty
The group’s homecoming followed days of uncertainty after their detention by Israeli forces. Local Somali community leaders and Finnish politicians had called for their safe return.
Mahamuud Shire said they had reached out to Finnish officials to push for the group’s release.
“Together with City Councilor Faysal Abdi and other community leaders, we sought the government’s intervention in securing the activists’ release. The authorities assured us that our citizens would be returned safely and today, we’ve seen that promise fulfilled,” Shire added.
The Global Sumud Flotilla set sail with more than 40 boats from several countries, carrying humanitarian supplies and international peace activists.
According to the Gaza health ministry, Israeli bombardments since October 2023 have killed more than 67,100 Palestinians, most of them women and children, further deepening the humanitarian catastrophe in the besieged territory.
