Chris Smalls and the Gaza Flotilla: A Story of Solidarity, Suppression, and Silence From Amazon Unionizer to Global Activist

Chris Smalls

Chris Smalls first rose to national prominence in 2022 when he led the historic unionization of Amazon’s JFK8 facility in Staten Island—a feat that caught the attention of unions and media alike. WikipediaSince then, he's continued turning heads, now entering humanitarian activism through the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, an international effort to breach Israel’s blockade of Gaza and deliver critical aid. WikipediaMondoweiss

The Seizure of the Handala and Smalls’ Detention

On July 26–27, 2025, Smalls joined around 20 others aboard the Handala, a flotilla ship carrying essential supplies—food, diapers, medicines—for Gaza. Israeli forces intercepted the ship in international waters and detained all occupants. WikipediaThe Palestinian Information CenterThe Guardian

What followed raised alarms beyond political lines: Smalls—who was the only Black person onboard—was reportedly singled out by Israeli forces and physically assaulted, sustaining injuries to his neck and legs. The Palestinian Information CenterMondoweissMediumThe Guardian

Selective Silence: Media, U.S. Officials, and Union Reaction

Despite Smalls' high profile, his detention and assault received scarce attention in mainstream U.S. media. The New York Times and other major outlets have remained largely silent. MR OnlineThe GuardianRadio FreeSome unions—including California Faculty Association and Canadian CUPE—publicly condemned the attack and called for Smalls' release. MR Onlineiwc-cti.caCommon DreamsYet, Teamsters President Sean O’Brien—whose union now includes the Amazon Labor Union—has remained silent, instead promoting a media appearance with right-wing commentator Vivek Ramaswamy. Payday ReportCommon Dreams

What This Encounter Means

Chris Smalls’ ordeal highlights the growing risks media figures and activists take when crossing borders for humanitarian causes. It also underscores how narratives—especially those involving Black activists or political flashpoints like Gaza—are drummed out or diluted in mainstream discourse.

Where Accountability Still Matters

• Media must correct the blackout by elevating voices like Smalls'—whose story bridges labor rights and global justice.

• Unions and civil rights organizations must respond consistently, regardless of political pressure or discomfort.

• Public engagement is crucial. This isn’t a distant story—it’s about whether solidarity, empathy, and transparency can win out.

Chris Smalls' journey—from union halls to waves in the Mediterranean—is a reminder that resistance evolves, and visibility isn’t always safe. But history remembers those who stand when it’s easier to look away.