As union members, we know that real solidarity means more than words—it means action. Today, I am issuing a statement condemning, in the strongest possible terms, the illegal actions of the zionist entity to intercept the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters, and calling on our union’s leadership to do more. This campaign stands in unwavering solidarity with the Global Sumud Flotilla as it sails to break the siege of Gaza and deliver hope and survival to a people under genocide. We stand with all Palestinians experiencing genocide at the hands of the zionist entity. We demand the flotilla receive safe passage to and from Gaza to distribute supplies to a population being deliberately starved, forcibly displaced, and bombed indiscriminately with no regard whatsoever for civilian casualties.

We are about to enter the third year of Israel’s genocide against the Palestinian people. The situation grows more dire by the day. At this point, no one can deny it—public opinion has shifted. Millions around the world see this genocide for what it is. The real question is: why is our union’s leadership scared to take a stand? If we, as workers, as union members, as a movement, will not stand up now—then when? What is the breaking point? If we tolerate this, we will tolerate anything—won’t we? And that certainly doesn’t bode well for our future.

We need an entirely different approach. Our government must immediately end all aid to Israel. Not one more bomb, not one more dollar, not one more excuse for genocide. As a union, our commitment must be clear: we support the Palestinian people and their unbreakable resistance—sumud. But solidarity cannot end in statements. What we should have done—and what we must be ready to do now—is move within our labor movement to make real collective action possible. That means pushing other unions in the California Labor Federation and within UAW Region 6 to stand with us, and to go on strike if future flotillas are attacked.

The truth is simple: the safety and success of the Global Sumud Flotilla will not come from politicians or diplomats—it will come from worldwide labor solidarity. Dockworkers, teachers, autoworkers, researchers, nurses, tech workers, scientists—all of us—have the power to make sure this genocide has no cover, no fuel, and no complicity.

It’s time to move beyond symbolic resolutions and put our bodies on the line. When workers in every corner of the world refuse to unload weapons, refuse to research tools of war, refuse to make the machines of death, when we shut it all down in the name of life and justice—then we will be keeping the promise of solidarity.

Standing with the Palestinian people is standing with justice. I pledge as your candidate for CAPS-UAW D3 Head Steward to keep fighting for a labor movement that is bold, principled, and unafraid to use its power.

Free Palestine! Long live the Global Sumud Flotilla!