TEHRAN - As the Sumud humanitarian flotilla voyages waters of Tunisia with the aim of breaking the siege on Gaza, international activists are stepping forward to challenge the blockade through non-violent action. Among them is Dominique, the only delegate from the Netherlands, who spoke to the Tehran Times about their motivation, readiness to face risks, and heartfelt message to Palestinian children.

Please introduce yourself — where are you from and why are you here?

My name is Dominique. I am the only delegate here in Tunisia from the Netherlands. I joined the flotilla — it wasn't a choice. I knew immediately that I wanted to join. I have been protesting for Palestine for a long time, and this is the next step in international solidarity.

What is the aim of your presence here with the flotilla?

We're all here together to try and break the siege — to let Palestinians know they are not alone, they are not invisible. Where governments will not act, the people — regular everyday people and civil society — will come together to show we will try our hardest to break the siege. We will never stop for them, not until Palestine is free.

If you reach Palestinian waters and intercepted or arrested, are you prepared for that scenario? Aren’t you afraid?

I'm not afraid. I'm ready for any scenario. Anything that happens to us is nothing compared to what Palestinians are going through. We have the privilege of our passports and the ability to leave; they don't. This is the next stage of international direct non-violent action — it requires risk-taking and sacrifice.

Do you have a message for the Palestinian people, especially the children in Gaza?

Yes. To the Palestinians — to the children in Gaza — we are always thinking of you. We are always there for you. Regardless of what our governments do, we the people are by your side. One million percent we will always be by your side and we will never give up. We are coming to you. So don't lose hope. We will do our best and we will never stop until Palestine is free. Inshallah.