Rep. Gomez Announces Release of Constituent and Journalist Emily Wilder, Detained by Israel Aboard Gaza Aid Flotilla

Gomez’s Rapid Engagement with State Department and Israeli Officials Ensured Her Safety and Swift Return Home

Washington, October 10, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) today announced that his constituent, journalist Emily Wilder, is safe and has been released from custody, and is on her way home. Wilder, a Los Angeles-based freelance journalist for Jewish Currents, had been detained by Israeli authorities after reporting aboard The Conscience, part of a flotilla attempting to deliver aid to Gaza. 

“I’m relieved and grateful to share that Emily Wilder has been released from custody and is on her way home,” said Congressman Gomez. “From the moment I learned of her detention, my office worked directly with the U.S. State Department, the Embassy of Israel, and our diplomatic partners to confirm her safety, ensure access to medical care, facilitate consular access, and secure her release. 

“Throughout this ordeal, we stayed in close contact with Emily’s family, including her mother and aunts, keeping them informed every step of the way and doing everything possible to bring her home safely. They expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of support and for knowing that Emily will soon be home safely. 

“Thank you to the activists, journalists, and community members across the country whose advocacy helped make this possible,” said Gomez.  

Background:  

  • On October 5, 2025, Congressman Gomez sent a formal letter to the U.S. State Department and the Trump administration demanding immediate action to protect and free of all non-violent flotilla participants, regardless of nationality, including several from his home state of California: David Adler, Tommy Marcus, Geraldine Ramirez of Cathedral City and Logan Hollarsmith from San Francisco. 

  • On October 8, 2025, Gomez again pressed for urgent intervention on behalf of Emily Wilder, warning that failure to act would constitute “an unconscionable abandonment of basic American principles and a dangerous undermining of our diplomatic standing internationally.” 

  • Gomez’s office maintained continuous engagement with U.S. and Israeli officials to secure consular visits, ensure access to medication, and verify Wilder’s welfare throughout her detention.