Manuel Tapial -Spanish – Canadian human rights activist
Manuel Tapial is a project coordinator. He is a Spanish – Canadian human rights activist renowned for his involvement in the 2010 Freedom Flotilla, an international maritime convoy aiming to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and challenge the Israeli blockade. He was among three Spanish participants aboard the Mavi Marmara, the lead vessel in the flotilla. On May 31, 2010, Israeli forces intercepted the convoy in international waters, resulting in the deaths of nine activists and the detention of hundreds, including Manuel.
Following his release, Tapial became a prominent voice advocating for Palestinian rights and highlighting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He was member of the NGO Cultura, Paz y Solidaridad, which has organized various solidarity initiatives, such as the campaign “Un cuaderno, un lápiz y un euro para los niños de Gaza” aiming to connect Spanish and Palestinian children through educational support.
Tapial has continued his activism by participating in subsequent flotilla missions and speaking at conferences to raise awareness about the situation in Gaza. Tapial also has produced films related to Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, and coordinated projects all along his activist carrier. He has also contributed writings to platforms like Rebelión, and Presse Gauche discussing topics related to social justice and international solidarity. Rebelion Presse Gauche
In recent years, Tapial’s commitment to humanitarian causes remains evident. In 2024, Manuel Tapial coordinated the Quebec delegation in the Freedom Flotilla, which was intercepted and detained in Turkey. Subsequently, along with other activists, he founded the organization Palestine Vivra in Montreal, where he currently resides, and now serves on its Board of Directors. The organization is dedicated to defending the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and organizing events and activities in solidarity with Palestine. www.palestinevivra.org
