Australian journalist and activist Robert Martin, widely recognized for his outspoken criticism of Israel and advocacy for Palestinian rights, has publicly announced his conversion to Islam. On December 7, 2025, Martin shared a post on X confirming his decision, stating, “The rumours are true, I’ve decided to embrace Islam. And I’m very much at peace with my decision.” The announcement drew global attention, garnering over 1.7 million views and widespread support from Muslims worldwide.
Martin’s engagement with Palestine began in 2014 when he traveled there to witness the situation firsthand, returning multiple times until 2018. His experiences challenged the narratives he had previously encountered in Western media and governments, revealing the harsh realities faced by Palestinians, including home demolitions, attacks on unarmed civilians, and intimidation by settlers and Israeli forces. Martin documented these atrocities, sharing his observations with a growing audience of over 500,000 followers on X and Instagram, highlighting the humanity of Palestinians despite widespread dehumanization in media portrayals.
Through his activism, including participation in the Freedom Flotilla mission to Gaza in May 2025, Martin encountered significant personal risk. During the interception of the Handala ship by Israeli forces on July 27, 2025, he and fellow journalist Tania Safi were detained, denied medication, and psychologically mistreated before being deported to Jordan and eventually returning to Australia.
Martin’s exposure to Islam began during his time in Palestine. In a December 9 X post, he reflected on a 2016 moment when he realized that, like his understanding of Palestine, he had been misled about Islam and Muslims. He admitted carrying long-standing misconceptions but gradually studied Islam with an open heart, leading to his decision to embrace the faith. Martin emphasized that understanding Islam required serious study and reflection rather than superficial reading.
He is set to share the full story of his conversion at an event in Melbourne on January 17, 2026, titled “I am ready to embrace Islam. My story,” where attendees will learn about his personal journey, experiences in Palestine, and the private five-week study that culminated in his shahadah. This announcement marks a significant personal and public milestone for Martin, reflecting a journey shaped by activism, empathy, and spiritual discovery.
