The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) confirms the release of Nutley resident, Amrou Ibrahim, from Israeli custody. He is currently in Turkey, receiving medical treatment.
READ: Gaza flotilla activists deported from Israel as backlash over treatment grows.
Amrou is among hundreds of activists who were attempting to deliver aid to Gaza when Israeli authorities intercepted their vessels on international waters. Lawyers with Adalah – The Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel shared that their “team received a large number of complaints of extreme violence […] by Israeli authorities. This violence resulted in severe, widespread injuries, including at least three individuals who were hospitalized and subsequently released.” They also reported on the use of tasers, stress positions, sexual harassment and degradation, and in a few instances found broken ribs on some activists.
In a statement shared with CAIR-NJ, Amrou’s mother, Aiat Ibrahim shared the following:
“After speaking with my son today, I was relieved to learn that he is safe following his release alongside fellow activists from the Freedom Flotilla of Steadfastness and the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. While I am deeply grateful for his release, I am devastated by the account he shared of the treatment he endured during his detention in Israel.
“My son described being subjected to physical beatings and severe physical and psychological humiliation—experiences whose full impact cannot truly be captured in words. During his detention, his prescription glasses and shoes were confiscated, leaving him unable to see properly and forcing him to leave occupied Palestine barefoot.
“As a parent, it is heartbreaking to know that my child was deprived not only of his dignity and safety, but also of basic necessities. The image of him departing in prison clothing, without shoes and without the ability to see clearly, is one that will remain with me forever.
“The only measure of comfort I have at this moment is knowing that he is now in Istanbul, where he and the other released activists are reportedly receiving the medical attention and care they urgently need.
“I call on the international community, human rights organizations, and all governments committed to justice and human dignity to investigate the treatment of these activists and to ensure accountability for the abuses they endured while in detention.
“No parent should ever have to hear such accounts from their child. No human being should be subjected to such treatment.”
Aiat shared that when she spoke to her son, he was in high spirits and wanted all the attention focused on Gaza: to urge governments to condemn the blockade on Gaza and the genocide of Palestinians.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
END
CONTACT: Public Affairs Director Naureen Akhter, nakhter@cair.com, 908-921-1238