EXCLUSIVE: Cathedral City woman aboard Gaza aid boat believed to be in Israeli Navy custody
Athena Jreij
CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – A Coachella Valley family is in fear tonight after they say their daughter, Geraldine Ramirez, is believed to be in Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) custody.
The Ramirez family says Geraldine was aboard the ‘Mali’ boat, apart of the 50 vessel Global Sumud Flotilla bringing aid to Gaza’s shores.
In a video shot before her departure, Ramirez says in a TikTok, “If you are watching this video, I have been kidnaped by the ‘IOF’ and taken to Israel against my will. Contact my government and tell them to end their complicity with Israel and bring me home and end this genocide.”
Earlier this week, Israeli officials shared video of several boats intercepted by the naval force. There are estimates that more than 450 activists are traveling, including Swedish climate activist, Greta Thunberg.
Angie Torres, Ramirez’s mom, says they warned her daughter to not go, but she was a committed activist.
“Please don’t do it, there’s risk. We know the situation there, but still she’s been an activist for all her life. She was bringing help to people that need it. Medical attention and food supplies,” Torres said.
Torres believes her daughter’s boat was intercepted earlier this week, and her phone thrown overboard. Without any method of communication, she worries about her condition in custody.
“I don’t know if they’re going to be saved, if they’re going to be tortured, if they’re going to try to make them look bad to the international community.”
Israeli officials have defended the interceptions, arguing the aid boats are in active war zones and defy lawful naval blockades. However, several rights groups say the interference with aid deliveries on international waters is illegal.
Ramirez’s family says they’ve reached out to the FBI, U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem but still haven’t received the answers they’re looking for.
“They’re not giving any information to anybody. That’s what he told me and then hung up the phone again,” Torres said about a call she had with an embassy employee.
News Channel 3 contacted the State Department who said in a statement:
“We take our commitment to assist U.S. citizens seriously and are monitoring the situation. The flotilla is a deliberate and unnecessary provocation. We are currently focused on realizing President Trump’s plan to end the war, which has been universally welcomed as a historic opportunity for a lasting peace.”
Torres says a lifetime of activism pushed her daughter to join the aid movement, and even in custody she believes she still stands by her ideals.
“I know she doesn’t regret it. She’s there to help. I’m hoping they’re going to let her make at least a phone call to me. I’d tell her I love her, and that I hope everything goes back to normal.”
If you have any information on the flotilla and it’s detainees, the family is asking you reach out to angietorreshomes@gmail.com.