US officials came to my aid. They held special visa interviews along the Israeli-Gaza border for me and two other Fulbright scholars in a similar position. The US granted my visa. Once again I could imagine taking my seat in a lecture hall in America. I packed my bags, bought souvenirs for my future friends in America and bade farewell to my family. Then came a phone call that changed everything. My American visa had been revoked based on secret evidence provided by Israel. Zohair M. Abu Shaban comments. Read more about Israel turns Gaza into prison for Fulbright Scholar