Palestinians sense he is writing history: write a letter to Khader Adnan and his family

The wife, daughters and father of Khader Adnan walk out from Ziv Hospital in the city of Safed, after visiting Adnan, 15 February 2012.

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Today Khader Adnan began the 62nd day of his hunger strike in protest of his administrative detention by Israel. He is chained to a bed in Ziv Hospital in Safed even though he has been too weak to walk for several days. In an interview today with The Independent, Randa Adnan — his wife — said “I know my husband. He will not change his mind. I expect him to die.”

Khader Adnan’s struggle has caught the attention of people around the world thanks to the efforts of bloggers and activists. I first learned about him from Shahd Abusalama who wrote on 21 January:

Every Palestinian is convicted to a life of uncertainty without having to commit a crime. Being a Palestinian is our only offense. For Khader, this detention is not his first time in Israeli prisons. It’s actually his eighth, for a total of six years of imprisonment, all under administrative detention. Each one had a different taste, ranging from bitter to bitterer.

A small group of writers, students, and activists (including myself) is collecting letters of support and solidarity for Khader Adnan and his family. All of these letters are published at http://khaderadnan.posterous.com/. After his ordeal is finished, these letters will be translated and presented to the family. We hope Khader and Randa will one day read these letters with their children Ma’ali (4 years old), Bissam (18 months old) and the baby who is expected in a few months.

Contribute your letter

You can contribute a letter simply by sending your letter by email to post@khaderadnan.posterous.com. Put your name and location in the subject line. You can write in English, Arabic or any other language.

The project received over 160 messages in the first day, and the letters come from all over the world. Kate from Ireland began her letter:

What do you say to a man who is giving more then you could ever imagine yourself giving? All I think I can offer is the knowledge that your fight is not in vain. The history of our countries are different, but the same. I know your stories, I hear them from all around the world, I hear them from my mother. She tells me stories with tears in her eyes.

Mariam Al-Sheikh remarked:

I struggle to find words to explain how we are all feeling right now, watching you survive 61 days of hunger strike. People couldn’t believe me when I told them your story. The truth is Mr. Khader you are a hero!

Chris wrote:

The outrage is that the entire world is not screaming for justice and accountability. Your voice will be heard, and your vision will be realized.

Read the letters yourself and please send your own letter of support to post@khaderadnan.posterous.com.

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Comments

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his struggle should lead us to better situation, especially for the prisoners, i believe that he is pushing the Palestinian fractions to stand together, with the people!

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Hi Ben. That was a great idea to send letters. I just wanted you to know that I posted my letter last night. Thanks for doing this. Maha