FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 7, 2025

Civil Liberties Defense Center Benefit Concert POSTPONED as Carsie Blanton Returns Home Following Illegal Israeli Detention

“After nearly a week unjustly held in Israeli prison for participating with over 400 others from around the world in the Global Sumud Flotilla to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, Carsie has been released and is making her way home.” (@carsieblanton, Instagram)

EUGENE, OR –CLDC announces the postponement of its benefit concert featuring Carsie Blanton, originally scheduled for Sunday, October 12, 2025 at WOW Hall.

Blanton, an anti-Zionist Jewish folk singer and songwriter, activist, and organizer, joined the Artists Against Apartheid on the Global Sumud Flotilla, which departed from various ports across the Mediterranean Sea throughout August and September in a nonviolent civilian effort to break the Israeli siege on Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid to its people. Ṣumūd, which is Arabic for “steadfastness” or “resilience,” is precisely what each of these activists exemplified, even as the flotilla participants were detained by Israeli forces in international waters on October 1, 2025.

After six days in Israeli prison, Blanton has been released and is safely returning home. However, reports from her management team and fellow activists indicate she and other detainees experienced harsh conditions during their imprisonment, including food, water, and sleep deprivation. She will need time to recover before resuming her tour schedule.

“We are relieved that Carsie is free and on her way home,” said Lauren Regan of CLDC. “We celebrate her courage and commitment to humanitarian action, even as we recognize the toll this ordeal has taken. Our thoughts remain with the six flotilla participants who are still detained, and we call for their immediate release.”

CLDC stands in solidarity with all participants of the Sumud Freedom Flotilla and with the people of Gaza. These activists were attempting to provide humanitarian aid to people experiencing genocide in multiple forms. Their bravery in the face of adversity exemplifies the values and human rights we work to protect and uphold.

“We are grateful and proud that all of you—Carsie’s community—have stepped up to stand with the people of Palestine and against the genocide, while also demanding the release of the flotilla activists. This effort shows the power of collective organizing.” (@carsieblanton, Instagram)

The benefit concert is being rescheduled for early spring 2026 – CLDC will inform our supporters when a new date for the Eugene show has been selected. WOW Hall will retain all tickets until a new date is confirmed, and ticket holders will be notified directly. Refunds are available upon request for those unable to attend the rescheduled event.

This benefit concert is planned to support CLDC’s Activist Defense Fund, which provides legal representation without cost to environmental and social justice activists locally and nationally. Those wishing to support this work can donate at cldc.wagonwheelweb.com/donate.

Updates for ticket holders:

• All tickets will be honored at the rescheduled date
• Refund requests can be made through WOW Hall:
  • wowhall.org | (541) 687-2746
• Updates will be sent as new information becomes available

For more information:

• CLDC: info@cldc.org | (541) 687-9180
• Global Sumud Flotilla: globalsumudflotilla.org

For press inquiries or interview requests, contact:

Civil Liberties Defense Center
info@cldc.org
(541) 687-9180 | www.cldc.org