“I was 1-day-old when my father was jailed” | The Electronic Intifada
Shahd Abusalama
The Electronic Intifada
Gaza City
18 October 2011A very confusing feeling passes through me after hearing about the exchange of 1,027 Palestinian detainees for the only Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit, who was held captive by the Palestinian resistance fighters. I don’t know whether to feel happy or sad.
Gazing at the faces of the prisoners’ families in the solidarity tent in Gaza City, I see a look that I have never seen before: eyes glittering with hope. These people have attended every event in solidarity with our detainees, have never given up hope that their freedom is inevitable someday, and have stayed strong during their loved ones’ absence inside Israeli cells. Thinking about those women whose relatives are most likely to be released and seeing their big smiles makes me happy. But at the same time, thinking about the other 5,000 detainees who will steadfastly go on with their resistance in the prisons makes my heart break for them.
Hearts aching for those still in jail
When I arrived at the tent on 12 October, the wife of the prisoner Nafez Herz, who was sentenced to life-long imprisonment and has been jailed for 26 years, shook hands with me and said very excitedly that she had heard that her husband would be freed. Then she said, “But you can’t imagine how much my heart aches for those families whose prisoner will not be released in this exchange deal. All prisoners’ families have become like one big family. We meet weekly, if not daily in the Red Cross, we share our torments, and we understand each other’s suffering.” I grabbed her hands and pressed them while saying, “We will never forget them, and God willing, they will gain their freedom soon.”
While I was writing this article among the crowd of people at the Red Cross building, I suddenly heard people chanting and clapping and could see a woman jumping with joy. While on the phone, she said loudly, “My husband is going to be free!” Her husband is Abu Thaer Ghneem, who received a life sentence and spent 22 years in prison. As I watched people celebrating and singing for the freedom of the Palestinian detainees, I met his only son, Thaer. He was hugging his mother tight while giving prayers to God showing their thankfulness. I touched his shoulder, attempting to get his attention. “Congratulations! How do you feel?” I asked him. “I was only one day old when my father was arrested, and now I am 22-years-old. I’ve always known that I had a father in prison, but never had him around. Now my father is finally going to be set free and fill his place, which has been empty over the course of 22 years of my life.”
His answer was very touching and left me shocked and admiring. While he was talking to me, I sensed how he couldn’t find words to describe his happiness at his father’s freedom.
The celebration continues for an hour. Then I return to my former confusion, feeling drowned in a stream of thoughts. The families of the 1,027 detainees will celebrate the freedom of their relatives, but what about the fate of the rest of the prisoners?
Don’t forget the hunger strike
I have heard lots of information since last night concerning the names of the soon-to-be-released prisoners, but it was hard to find two sources sharing the same news, especially about Ahmad Saadat and Marwan Barghouti and whether they are involved in the exchange deal. I’ve always felt spiritually connected to them, especially Saadat, as he is my father’s friend. I can’t handle thinking that he may not be involved in this exchange deal. He has had enough merciless torment inside Israeli solitary confinement for over two and a half years.
Let’s not forget those who are still inside the Israeli occupation’s prisons and who have been on hunger strike, as this hunger strike wasn’t held for an exchange deal, but for the Israeli Prison Service to meet the prisoners’ demands. The people who joined the hunger strike in Gaza City has included those with loved ones in prison. We have to speak out loudly and tell the world that Israel must address our living martyrs’ demands. We will never stop singing for the freedom of Palestinian detainees until the Israeli prisons are emptied.
Shahd Abusalama is an artist, blogger and English literature student from the Gaza Strip. Her blog is called Palestine from My Eyes.
[Photographs by Omar Rahman, via +972 Magazine: 1) A released prisoner embraces a family member in Ramallah. / 2) A family embraces a freed prisoner.]
Posts tagged gaza
Top ten myths about Israeli policy
by Roi Maor In the next few weeks, I will write a separate post about each of the top ten myths about Israeli policy, tackling the obfuscation and confusion that often characterize discussions of official Israeli positions and actions, at home and abroad. My top ten list appears below Inspired by the fascinating series on constitutional myths in the United States (well, fascinating for American politics junkies like myself), by Garret Epps in the Atlantic, I have decided to create my own list of myths. This list refers to myths about current government policy in Israel. It therefore excludes the variety of cultural, social and historical myths surrounding Israel, in order to focus on the obfuscation and confusion that often characterize discussions of official Israeli positions and actions, at home and abroad. The list is not ranked in any particular order. The various myths have been selected in order to highlight different policy issues, although relations between Jews and Palestinians get a very prominent representation, with half the items in the list. I tried to include myths that are both relatively widespread, and significant in shaping discussions of policy. In the next few weeks, I will write a separate post about each myth, explaining its origins, significance and the reality it conceals. Here is the list (if you have suggestions for more items, feel free to add them in the comments, adhering to 972’s policy on commenting, of course): Myth #1: Policy towards Palestinians and Arab states is governed by security concerns. Myth #2: Separation between Jews and Palestinians is not based on a racist ideology. Myth #3: In response to a flood of illegal immigrants, the government is working to reduce the number of work migrants. Myth #4: Israel’s social safety net is better than that in the US. Myth #5: Israeli Arabs receive fewer benefits because they do not have to serve in the military. Myth #6: The government is afraid of the settlers and incapable of standing up to them. Myth #7: The ultra-orthodox reap benefits from disproportionate political influence. Myth #8: Women’s rights in Israel are largely the same as in other Western countries. Myth #9: The High Court of Justice defends civil liberties and human rights. Myth #10: All Jews are encouraged to immigrate to Israel
The story of the Samouni Family & The Samouni Project
PLEASE LISTEN TO THEIR STORY & SUPPORT OUR CONVOY <3Please please please! We can do this!!! FREE PALESTINE
Israeli tanks invade central Gaza Strip
May 31, 2011
Israeli military vehicles invaded Tuesday morning limited areas in the east of al-Buriage refugee camp in central Gaza Strip. No causalities were reported.
According to SAFA News agency, eight Israeli bulldozers accompanied by three tanks stationed at the east of al-Buriage refugee camp and started razing operation to the agricultural lands, terrifying many citizens in fear of being hurt by Israeli fire.
Gaza borders regularly witnessed brutal attacks since Israel targets every moving object got near the border fence, causing great damage to several farmlands that supported hundreds of families.
SERVIZI SEGRETI ISRAELIANI SCORTATI DALL’ESERCITO MINACCIANO GLI ABITANTI DI AT-TUWANI
At-Tuwani, Lunedì 23 maggio, l’intelligence israeliana è entrata ad At-Tuwani, scortata da circa quindici soldati. Nell’operazione i militari israeliani hanno invaso la casa di un leader locale, hanno chiesto che gli abitanti cessassero le loro resistenza nonviolenta, minacciando ritorsioni qualora i palestinesti avessero persistito nel far valere i propri diritti sulle terre.
Verso le 7 di sera, due veicoli militari e circa una quindicina di soldati sono entrati nel villaggio. I primi soldati hanno invaso la casa di uno dei leader del comitato di resistenza nonviolenta. Con le armi spianate e pronte a sparare hanno ispezionato le stanze e i dintorni. Contemporaneamente quattro uomini in abiti civili, ma con equipaggiamento militare e fucili d’assalto, hanno sistematicamente avvicinato uomini adulti per interrogarli. I quattro uomini, successivamente identificati come agenti dei servizi segreti hanno chiesto indirizzi, numeri di telefono, luoghi dei rapporti di lavoro e diversi dettagli personali.
Il personale dell’intelligence ha interrogato anche gli abitanti dei villaggi sulle recenti manifestazioni ed azioni dirette svolte dalla comunità ed ha chiesto che i palestinesi cessassero la loro resistenza nonviolenta. “Vuoi diventare padre di un martire?” hanno chiesto ad uno dei leader, lasciando intendere che le forze di occupazione potrebbero rivalersi sui loro bambini.
Né soldati né ufficiali dei servizi segreti hanno dato alcuna spiegazione riguardo l’operazione militare e l’ingerenza prolungata nella privacy delle persone. Quando gli è stato chiesto perchè si trovassero nel loro villaggio, gli uomini armati hanno risposto solo “E’ il nostro lavoro”.
Gli agenti hanno anche chiesto che gli internazionali si astenessero dal fare qualunque fotografia degli eventi, senza mostrare alcun mandato o documento d’identificazione.
L’intelligence ha anche minacciato di chiamare la polizia locale per far arrestare gli internazionali.
L’operazione è durata più di due ore.
Operazione Colomba e Christian Peacemaker Team mantengono una presenza costante nel villaggio di At-Tuwani e nell’area delle colline a sud di Hebron dal 2004.
Zionists left their mark. Gaza in ruins.
(Source: palestiniangunmen)
Israel attacks humanitarian ship to Gaza in international waters
Global Research has been in contact with the Spirit of Rachel Corrie, a Malaysian ship carrying a humanitarian aid cargo to Gaza, which has been attacked in international waters by Israel. The vessel left the Port of Piraeus, Greece on Wednesday, May 11 carrying 7.5 kilometers of UPVC (plastic) sewage pipes to help restore the devastated sewerage system in Gaza. The humanitarian initiative is sponsored by Perdana Global Peace Foundation (PGPF) and participating in this mission includes anti-war activists and journalists, consisting of 7 Malaysians, 2 Irish, 2 Indians and 1 Canadian. The Spirit of Rachel Corrie is an initiative of The Perdana Global Peace Foundation (PGPF) chaired by Malaysia’s former Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamed. The Centre for Research on Globalization (CRG) (Global Research) is also participating in this mission. (read)
An undercover Israeli police officer dressed as a Palestinian woman opened a car door after helping detain a Palestinian protester.
Under the Geneva Convention, things like flying a false flag, pretending to be a noncombatant, faking an injury to gain access to enemy lines, negotiating in bad faith, and using false insignia are all considered perfidy (an illegitimate act of deception)
History repeats itself: Holocaust (left), Gaza (right).
(Source: subhanallah)
OLOCAUSTO PALESTINA.wmv (by kixja)
Si sta perpetrando sotto ai nostri occhi un genocidio di dimensioni inimmaginabili. I mass media non ne parlano perchè sono proprio le grandi potenze mondiali, ONU, USA, EU a finanziare ed armare Israele contro la Palestina…..Facciamoci tutti carico di divulgare la notizia il più possibile affinche tutti sappiano. L’opinione pubblica mondiale è l’unica forza che può fermare questo olocausto .
ViK2Gaza- Convoglio “Restiamo Umani”
(by socialab)
“… questo convoglio, grazie al simbolismo dello “Stay Human”, non andrà a combattere o a cambiare il mondo all’improvviso, non ci scontreremo con nessuno, non è quello che facciamo noi, siamo solo gente che crede che il mondo sia… migliore se la gente crede nell’umanità, e rimane umana, è quello che diceva Vittorio, giustizia e umanità…”
Secondo il Presidente Napolitano ai palestinesi si deve negare anche il diritto alla celebrazione della Nakba, la catastrofe, l’inizio della diaspora e del genocidio del popolo palestinese… Non è colpa dei palestinesi se la loro catastrofe ha avuto inizio con la fondazione dello stato di Israele!
Invito a guardare cosa era la Palestina prima del 1948 e a riflettere.
Il sole del Cairo deve ancora finire di sorgere, quando il convoglio restiamo umani comincia a prepararsi per la partenza verso Gaza. E’ un viaggio, quello che verrà intrapreso, denso di attesa e carico di speranza: c’è la consapevolezza di quanto sia importante attraversare il valico di Rafah in seguito alle rivolte che hanno abbattuto il regime di Mubarak; e c’è la volontà di ricordare Vittorio Arrigoni nella terra stessa per cui ha dato la vita.Il convoglio porterà tra la popolazione palestinese un messaggio da rivolgere a tutto il mondo: la Palestina non è sola, i sogni di Vik sono anche i nostri, la solidarietà verso chi lotta contro oppressione e sfruttamento non conosce frontiere.
Dieci check-point rallentano il cammino, uno in particolare lo costringe ad una sosta di 2 ore e mezza nel deserto del Sinai, vengono poste le questioni di sempre, le stesse riscontrate nei giorni precedenti circa l’impossibilità di oltrepassare Rafah . Questa volta, l’ambasciata italiana “premurosa e zelante” comunica che il convoglio non entrerà mai dentro Gaza ma evidentemente i fatti gli hanno dato torto: noi siamo qui! Il COnvoglio Restiamo Umani da oggi cammina sui passi di Vittorio, orme chiare, impresse nella terra di Gaza e rimarcate dall’affetto spontaneo dei/delle palestinesi che hanno accolto il nostro arrivo. Il Co.R.Um assorbe la determinazione, il coraggio e l’estrema umiltà di Vittorio, caratteristiche che riconosciamo nella lunga resistenza della popolazione palestinese. Per molti di noi è la prima volta che si attraversa la frontiera della Striscia di Gaza, una vittoria per chi non si è mai arreso, via mare e via terra, al categorico Denied Entry: niente da vedere, nessuno da incontrare. A sottolineare l’importanza storica del momento c’è stato il contagioso entusiasmo dell’accoglienza riservata al convoglio da numerosi palestinesi presenti, che ci hanno accompagnato fino a Gaza City. Una volta sul posto ripercorriamo i luoghi frequentati quotidianamente da Vittorio nella sua lunga permanenza a Gaza, dove ha conosciuto tutti quei compagni e quelle compagne che da oggi conosciamo anche noi.
Sulle note di Bella Ciao, Unadikom e del rap dei Gazawi, le immagini di Vittorio salutano il nostro arrivo.
ciao Vik, Palestina libera
———
Una diretta da Gaza con Francesca (Radio Blackout):
Stay Human convoy enters Gaza
After leaving Cairo this morning at dawn, the 80 activists of the ‘Restiamo Umani’ convoy have entered Gaza at 4pm after crossing five Egyptian check-points.
The convoy will remain in the Gaza strip until the 17 of May to meet the Palestinian people who day by day are trying to resist the Israeli military occupation. The convoy will also join the commemorations for the thirtieth day of Vittorio’s death and for Nakba, the day of the Palestinian catastrophe, which will take place between the 14 and the 15 of May. Meanwhile, a second convoy, with over 100 buses, will leave from Tahir square in Cairo, the square that has become the symbol of recent popular revolutions in the Middle Aast , and will try to cross the Rafah pass on the 15 of May. This is a collective movement that wants to show full support to the fight of the Palestinian people for self-determination, to their everyday resistance against military occupation and to the right of all Palestianian refugees to come back to their land.
(Source: palsolidarity.org)
World facts and words for a better place to live in
