Shadi's Release

 

I promised you won't hear from me until Shadi was at home.   Well, it happened sooner than I had thought.  The court session for the appeal of the District Attorney took place this morning and the judge ruled his release for house arrest. He is on his way home now, and the whole neighborhood is preparing his favorite dish of “Koussa wa waraq” (Stuffed zucchini and vine leaves.)  House arrest might be a long process, but at least he is at home with the family, and his dog Abboud, and he will be doing his studies on-line, especially that his school has been so supportive.  And of course, he would be joining the family in cheering his favorite teams in the World Cup games.  This first Sunday of Advent was a good omen, and will remain a memorable day for Shadi and all the family and his friends.   Thank you all for prayers, for your great support, solidarity and friendship, and for all the pressure you had exerted, which I am sure has helped a lot. So, with this note, our nightmare is over.  Have a blessed Advent season.  Samia

Shadi Missed my 89th Birthday

Dear Friends,

I want to thank you once again for your queries and for your solidarity with us during these difficult times.  Many of you have been in touch, so I want to  apologize for not sending you an update  on the court session of the 23^rd because I was hoping that Shadi will be with us on the 24^th and will make my 89^th birthday extra special. But it was not meant to be,  as the occupation continues to deprive us even of the glimpse of hope that we hold on.

Despite the judge’s ruling later on in the day  to release Shadi  and other children  for “house arrest,” the Attorney General (ironically a woman) appealed against  the judge’s  decision.  

So you will not hear from me until I see Shadi at home.  But I hope you will continue to hold Shadi and all the children in your prayers, especially during this Holy season.  With deep appreciation   for your support of our just cause.    Samia

And wait...

 

Thank you all very much for your queries.  Actually after the court session on the 2nd he and other young people were transferred to the Ramleh prison where they spent the night  and yesterday they moved them  to Damoun in the North of the country awaiting another trial on November 14.  Actually the lawyer thinks they are better off there than the infamous detention and interrogation centre of Room No. 4 at the Russian compound in Jerusalem.  During his last day there he was beaten because he was singing.  They even deprive them of a moment of joy.  With deep appreciation for your concern and solidarity, and for all what you have been doing for  Shadi and all the children prisoners. Samia