[Ariadna: How about these refugees without sponsors and media support? Where are the Jewish organizations and activists urging the Europeans to be “tolerant” and receive refugees with open arms when you need them?]
Help Free Palestinians Hisham & Mounis from Prison in Arizona
500 Days in Limbo: The story of two men from Gaza stuck in US immigration detention
By Imraan Siddiqi
We have seen the destruction and carnage waged upon the people of Gaza for over a decade now. Names like “Cast Lead,” “Pillar of Defense,” and “Protective Edge” evoke images of indiscriminate bombing campaigns that killed over 4,000 people – destroying vital infrastructure, and putting Gaza on track to possibly be uninhabitable by the year 2020.
Now, add the fact that this tiny strip of land is surrounded by a naval blockade – and its fisherman are routinely fired upon by the Israeli navy. Now, add the fact that the sole lifeline for the people of Gaza – along the Egyptian border, has been cut off by the deplorable Sisi regime. It’s clear that life for those who are living in what has been termed an “open-air prison” has become untenable. With very little economic opportunity, and the constant threat of violence looming overhead, it is no wonder that some are fleeing for their own safety.
Asylum Seekers – In Arizona?
Both young men are Palestinian from Israeli-occupied Gaza; they left as students in 2010 and 2011 and since have traveled over 7,000 miles and eight countries in an attempt to find a better life for their families and themselves here in the United States.
Within days of presenting themselves to customs agents at the Mexico-U.S. border in November 2014, both Hisham and Mounis were determined to pose no threat to the community and to have “credible fear,” the first step to claim humanitarian asylum.
Currently in limbo after enduring more than a year in indefinite detention, Hisham and Mounis are being held in a Homeland Security facility here in Southern Arizona. Their longterm confinement has forced them to struggle against mental health problems, emotional suffering and even physical deterioration.
A staggering $9,000 bond was set for Mounis while pro bono lawyers on the case have petitioned the government on habeas corpus to release Hisham. In addition to Mounis’s bond, we are raising start-up costs (including food and living expenses) for Mounis and Hisham when they are released so they get on their feet.
UofA Students for Justice in Palestine is seeking this urgent monetary help for Hisham and Mounis who have given up so much in an attempt to create their own Palestinian-American dream.
Any amount is helpful and appreciated!
Learn more about Mounis and Hisham below:
Official facebook page “Free Hisham and Mounis, Libertad para Hisham y Mounis”
Long feature in AZ Daily Star (2/21/16)
Refugees without Sponsors
Bytut editor
Mar 8, 2016
My thought is that Israel does not want anyone speaking of the horrors of her actions … thinking that if there are no witnesses, no proof. Fools, the damage done is irreversible in the eyes of the world.
Therefore, granting these young men refugee status or whatever they seek, is a form of acknowledging that Palestine actually EXISTS …. and it is not the happy place they continually tell us it is for the beleaguered natives.
I pray these young men are successful. Denying their need is no different than denying the need of all other refugees of war ~ those with genuine claims. When the world tells you your land is almost uninhabitable, you do, indeed, have a claim.
Reblogged this on diwini's blog.