photo credit: Associated Press 
Conscience, one of the larger vessels taking part in the Gaza Freedom Flotilla.
Wilder was aboard the ship when it was seized by Israeli forces in the eastern 
Mediterranean Sea.

A former Santa Rosa Press Democrat reporter has been released, after being detained by the Israeli military while taking part in the Gaza humanitarian aid flotilla.

Emily Wilder, who worked as reporter at the Santa Rosa-based newspaper from 2021 to 2022, was on board the ship the Conscience, as it traveled with the Gaza Freedom Flotilla.

Wilder, who is reporting on assignment for Jewish Currents magazine, was detained along with dozens of other journalists, medical staff, and activists early Wednesday.

Mari Cohen is an associate editor at Jewish Currents, and lost contact with Wilder when the boat was intercepted.

"We did expect that this was a potential outcome as we have seen it happen to the boats in the past," Cohen said. "Basically once they were intercepted all of the communications to the boat cut off."

According to Cohen, Wilder was reporting on multiple aspects of the humanitarian flotilla, including attempts to deliver medical aid to residents in the Gaza Strip, and the effort to break the international media blackout in the territory.

"Even since Emily left on the flotilla, the story has changed somewhat," Cohen said. "The first phase of the cease-fire has gone into effect, but, you know, there's still a lot to learn and cover on the ground there."

Cohen saod she believes Wilder and other members of the flotilla were taken to the Port of Ashdod in Israel, before being transferred to Israel's Ktz'iot prison.

"A US embassy official was able to visit Emily...and to confirm that she is safe and doing okay," Cohen said.

Wilder's representative, Congressman Jimmy Gomez, said his office was able to liaise with US and Israeli officials to ensure her safe return to Los Angeles.

Cohen said she expects Wilder and the 7 other US nationals detained by Israel to return home soon.