Fear outweighs pride as Belgian father worries about son sailing to Gaza

From Ghent, Belgium, a palpable sense of anxiety grips the family of Isja Puissant, a 26-year-old who has embarked on a perilous journey to Gaza aboard a sailboat. His father, Joeri, articulates a sentiment shared by many parents facing similar situations: 'The fear is much greater than the pride at this moment.' This profound worry stems from Isja's participation in the Global Sumud Flotilla, a convoy aiming to deliver essential aid to Gaza.

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The fear is much greater than the pride at this moment.

Isja's decision is deeply rooted in his family's history, particularly his great-grandmother's experiences in the Jewish resistance during World War II. He views his current mission as a personal obligation, echoing the stories of those who fought against oppression. "If there is a genocide going on, you have to do everything you can to stop it. That is your personal duty," he reportedly states, a conviction that drives him despite the inherent dangers.

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If there is a genocide going on, you have to do everything you can to stop it. That is your personal duty.

The journey is fraught with peril, as evidenced by past incidents where the Israeli army has intercepted and detained sailboats attempting to reach Gaza. Joeri recounts these events with distress, describing the detentions as near-abductions and questioning the international community's muted response to actions occurring far from Israel's shores. This lack of strong international condemnation is a point of bewilderment and frustration.

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The Israeli army acts as if there are no laws, it seems to have gone wild.

Despite the constant communication and pleas from his parents to return home, Isja remains resolute. His father notes that while Isja is also experiencing fear, his determination to help his Palestinian friends and honor his family's legacy of resistance keeps him committed to the mission. This story resonates deeply in Belgium, where historical narratives of resistance and a strong sense of solidarity with those suffering often shape public perception of international conflicts.

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It is not hypothetical fear, because sailboats have already been stopped by the Israeli army. Isja has also heard the stories of what happened to those people. They were abducted by the Israeli army, you can hardly put it any other way, and taken to Crete.