Sadie Mees pictured with the 5 other Canadians detained
A Trent Hills native is among six Canadians who were allegedly detained by Israeli forces while on a humanitarian aid mission to Gaza, and her family is calling for urgent government intervention to bring her home.
Sadie Mees grew up in Trent Hills – and is the granddaughter of Trent Hills Mayor Bob Crate – but has been living and studying in Newfoundland.
Mees was part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which is described as an international coalition of activists from 44 countries, who have been attempting to break Israel’s blockade and deliver famine relief to Gaza aboard a ship called the “Conscience.”
The group posted a video Wednesday on social media, stating that if it became public, it meant the crew had been “attacked at sea and abducted by Israeli forces.”
The video includes a direct plea to Canadians to pressure the government to demand their release and implement a two-way arms embargo and sanctions against Israel.
MBC has since caught with Kira Crate Mees, Sadie’s mother, as well as Bob Crate, and Northumberland-Clarke MP Philip Lawrence, in the wake of the news that Mees was among Canadians captured on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025.
Kira has been urging Northumberland residents to contact Lawrence and implore him to take immediate action to help bring the Canadians home.
Kira said Mees and other volunteers understood that interception was a likely outcome, acknowledging none of the other boats have made it.
Kira tells us more about the boat Mees was on and how she got involved.
For the family, it is an emotional time, but Kira said Mees believes in what she is doing.
Kira explained families are getting some information and support.
Kira also said despite current circumstances, she knows where her daughter wants the real focus to be.
Lawrence’s office has confirmed contact with the family, and the MP and staff are providing support where possible.
When MBC caught up with Crate on Thursday, Oct. 9, he said his granddaughter is one of 100 aid workers currently being processed by the Israeli government.
He said the expectation is that they will be processed today (Thursday) and tomorrow (Friday) and then deported – however, he’s unsure where they’ll end up. Citing previous incidents, he predicted they will likely be sent to Egypt or Syria.
He went on to praise the work being done by Lawrence on behalf of the family.
Meanwhile, in a post from Global Affairs Canada on X, officials earlier stated that they are aware that six Canadians have been detained in Israel.
“Consular officials are in touch with Israeli authorities, and as always, are offering consular services to all Canadian citizens,” the statement reads, adding that Canada is urging Israel to ensure their safety and “facilitate their swift release.”
The flotilla mission comes amid renewed tension in the region as international mediators work toward implementing the first phase of a peace plan involving Israel and Hamas.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt and Joseph Goden)
