L.A.-based Jewish American journalist detained by Israeli Forces during Gaza-bound flotilla mission

Emily Wilder, a Jewish American journalist and human rights advocate based in Los Angeles, was detained by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) on Wednesday after boarding The Conscience, a humanitarian vessel attempting to reach Gaza as part of the Freedom Flotilla. The ship, which carried a group of international reporters and medical personnel, was intercepted in international waters. All those aboard are currently in custody.

Wilder, a L.A. resident and freelance writer for Jewish Currents,  joined the mission to report on the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Her detention has prompted calls for action from community members, with supporters urging U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff and U.S. Representative Jimmy Gomez to intervene on her behalf and ensure her safe release.

The crew’s detainment follows closely on the announcement of a ceasefire agreement aimed at halting the ongoing devastation in Gaza. According to President Donald Trump, the initial phase of the deal calls for a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territory, along with the coordinated release of both Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners.

Gomez’s office released a public statement regarding Wilder’s arrest, condemning the interception of the second flotilla. “My office has now confirmed that a second flotilla carrying vital humanitarian aid… has been intercepted, and nearly 145 passengers and crew detained,” stated Gomez.  

In a letter addressed to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Gomez insisted that the administration act immediately to ensure her safety, access to consular and medical services, and her return home.

Wilder has a longstanding history of pro-Palestinian advocacy. In 2022, she was fired by The Associated Press for “violating the company’s social media policies” after right-wing and conservative media outlets began targeting her. Wilder was attacked online for anti-zionist views and activism she engaged in during her college years. Her termination drew backlash from journalists and became part of a larger-scale exodus of pro-Palestine journalists from mainstream news outlets. 

Wilder’s housemate spoke to CALÓ News about her detainment, noting that the journalist was simply doing her job. “Nobody should be detained or killed for journalism,” said Lu C. 

“Right now [Wilder] is being detained in prison, where thousands of Palestinians are also being detained, many without charges–she would want them to receive the same sympathy.”

The two roommates have been longtime friends and were introduced through a mutual friend at a concert. However, in recent years, they also connected over their shared Jewish heritage and human rights activism. Lu C describes Wilder as a “fantastic friend” and someone who “shows up for anyone in need in the community.”

According to Lu C., Wilder did express apprehension before embarking on The Conscience. “Em is very, very brave,” they stated, “we did talk about the potential for danger on the journey, and she recognized that the IDF has a history of disregarding international law and a track record for abuse against journalists and Jewish activists advocating for the rights of Palestinians.”

Gaza has remained one of the most dangerous places for members of the media. Targeted Israeli military air strikes have resulted in a high death toll, with hundreds of journalists killed while reporting on the genocide. 

International watchdog groups have documented hundreds of casualties, with over 222 documented Palestinian journalists killed in the past two years by the Israeli army. 

This is in part why journalists like Wilder have engaged in activist journalism on high-risk reporting trips such as the Freedom Flotilla. “The biggest thing that she would want me to say is that this story is not about her,” says Lu C. “It's a story about Gaza and how Palestinian journalists are being targeted.”

“Her abduction is illegal under international law, as is the blocking of humanitarian aid,” stated Wilder’s roommate. “At the end of the day, she is a journalist doing her job and that's not a crime, for Em [Wilder] or her Palestinian colleagues.”

CALÓ News was unable to obtain an official comment from Senators Padilla or Adam Schiff regarding Wilder’s detainment.