The choice of names carries high symbolic value. Pavlos Fyssas, an anti-fascist artist, was murdered on 18 September 2013 by Giorgos Roupakias, a member of the neo-Nazi organisation Golden Dawn. The flotilla thus honours his memory on the 12th anniversary of his death. Vangelis Pissias, meanwhile, was one of the pioneers of solidarity with Palestine. In 2008, he joined 43 volunteers on two boats that successfully reached Gaza, breaking the 41-year blockade.

“Inaction is complicity”

Professor Takis Politis, a member of that 2008 mission, announced that he would again be part of the crew – this time on the sailing vessel Pavlos Fyssas. Writing on social media, he stated:

“At a time when the Zionist state is hammering the Palestinian people, I sail on the Pavlos Fyssas with comrades, as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla solidarity mission and symbolic humanitarian transport to Gaza.”

Politis added:

“As a university teacher, I believe the most important lessons are taught outside the auditoriums. As a human being, I believe that inaction in the face of genocide constitutes shame and complicity for all of humanity. And as a leftist, I believe this small piece of land is today the brightest beacon of struggle and dignity for all of us.”

He concluded: “Gaza, here we come again! Together, the older generation and the pioneering youth, on the path opened by Vangelis Pissias – a unique man and fighter whose life was dedicated to the Palestinian cause.”

March to Gaza: Statement from Greece

The initiative March to Gaza Greece confirmed that the Greek mission has set sail:

“Today, six vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla with 26 Greeks and 20 international solidarity workers departed from Syros towards the South Aegean, on their way to meet the wider international fleet to Palestine.

The boats carry names that symbolise memory, resistance, and solidarity:

  • Oxygono (Oxygen): because popular struggles are the oxygen of freedom. George Floyd said he couldn’t breathe; the victims of the Tempe train disaster in their final moments said they were out of oxygen.

  • Vangelis Pissias: honouring the pioneer of solidarity with Palestine and a lifetime of internationalist action.

  • Pavlos Fyssas: reminding us that the anti-fascist struggle continues, that art and resistance can confront hatred and barbarity.

  • Ahed Tamimi: in honour of the young Palestinian activist who became a global symbol of courage, resistance, and hope for a free Palestine.”

The statement added that the flotilla will adjust its course depending on weather conditions and coordination with the wider fleet. The progress of the vessels can be tracked live at globalsumudflotilla.org/tracker.

“Sumud means endurance and determination. The journey will be long. It requires patience, support and collective strength. Together, on land and at sea, we are fighting to break the siege and strengthen the voice of the Palestinian people.”

March to Gaza Greece, 17 September 2025

 

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