Highlights
- Italian Flotilla Captain and activist Tommaso Bortolazzi converted to Islam while detained by Israeli forces.
- The incident occurred during a humanitarian mission to Gaza with the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF).
- Bortolazzi was inspired by the faith of his Turkish colleagues while in prison.
- He performed Shahada inside a prison van and described the experience as a moment of clarity and inner peace.
- Earlier, similar conversions occurred among activists inspired by the plight of Palestinians.
Conversion During Detention
Tommaso Bortolazzi, the Italian Flotilla Captain of a Gaza-bound relief ship, embraced Islam while being held by Israeli forces. The ship was seized in international waters on October 1, as part of the 44-ship Global Sumud Flotilla, which included activists from several countries.
“My companions were Turkish and mostly Muslim. When they were praying, the Israeli police tried to stop them. I felt it was necessary to protest, and then I recited the Shahada with my friend.”
“Grow smarter, not harder —
ঝামেলামুক্ত অনলাইন ব্যবসার শুরু করুন Storola দিয়ে “
Shahada in Prison
Before taking Shahada, Bortolazzi asked whether having tattoos would affect his acceptance as a Muslim. His Turkish colleague reassured him that faith matters more than appearance. He performed Shahada inside a prison van, after which Israeli police placed him in a cell.
He recited the Shahada in the prison van. When everyone congratulated him, the Israeli police threw him into a cell.
Bortolazzi described the moment as a profound sense of rebirth and inner peace.
“I felt as if I was born anew.”
Read More: India Reportedly Stopping Sheikh Hasina from Making Anti-Bangladesh Remarks
Similar Cases of Conversion
This is not the first time international activists were inspired by the Palestinian struggle. In November 2023, American activist and TikToker Megan Rice converted to Islam, followed by around 30 women in Melbourne the next month.
Conclusion
Tommaso Bortolazzi’s conversion highlights the impact of humanitarian experiences and personal faith journeys. His story has been widely shared online, showing the deep influence of solidarity and spiritual reflection even in challenging circumstances.
Source: DBC News
