Family visit to Mahmoud to celebrate his release from prison
Following his release, Mahmoud invited us and the activists who had helped his wife Hadija with her chores to a hafla (party) at his home. The family wore traditional dress and they had prepared a delicious meal (which wasn’t so easy to eat because it was 10 o’clock in the morning and some of us are vegetarians) – makluba (traditional dish of meat, vegetables and rice), with chicken, salad and fresh vegetables and molukhia soup and lots of lemon. The happy atmosphere turned grim when Mahmoud spoke about the torture he had endured in prison and his skinny, emaciated appearance confirmed his stories. He was in Ofer Prison and then sent to Rimon Prison in the Negev. He was beaten, starved and humiliated endlessly. There were 28 prisoners in a cell meant for eight and most slept on the floor without mattresses.
From his home, we saw long lines going towards Hamra checkpoint from 10-12. After our visit, we passed by the water gate, the only way for the Palestinians to get water, which is given generously to the settlers only. At 1:30 pm the gate was closed. They’ll fetch water tomorrow.
After that we drove back via Itamar and the new Hawara bypass road – if only there were roads like that in Israel, but when most of the budgets are poured into the settlements and their access roads, not much is left for Israelis living within the Green Line.
Location Description
Hamra (Beqaot)
See all reports for this place-
One of the Jordan Rift Valley checkpoints that prevent direct transit between the West Bank and the Jordan Valley, in addition to Tayasir Checkpoint. Located next to Hamra settlement, on Route 57 and the Allon Road.
Read about the peple of the Jordan Valley and the quiet transfer happening there.
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