DaysofPal— After more than two decades behind bars, Palestinian brothers Shadi and Saed Zaid were finally freed from Israeli occupation prisons. However, their liberation came with a heavy price: deportation to Turkey, leaving them unable to reunite with their aged parents in the West Bank.
For Hajj Abdul Samee Zaid and his wife, the joy of knowing their sons are free is tinged with sorrow, as they remain separated by borders imposed by the Israeli occupation. Yet, despite this heartbreak, the family finds solace in the fact that Shadi (44) and Saed (46), who were sentenced to life imprisonment, are now safe from further persecution.
A Journey of Suffering
The ordeal began in 2003 when both brothers were arrested during a wave of mass detentions conducted by Israeli forces. They were subsequently sentenced to life in prison for their alleged involvement in resistance activities against the occupation. For over 20 years, Hajj Abdul Samee and his wife endured the pain of visiting their sons through strict regulations and limited access, often traveling long distances just to catch a glimpse of their imprisoned children.
“The last year and a half were the most difficult,” Hajj Abdul Samee recounted to Filastin newspaper. “They suffered greatly, like other prisoners, from food shortages, medical neglect, and the prevention of visits. We weren’t even allowed to send them money.”
In desperation, the family hired a lawyer at great personal cost to verify the well-being of their sons after all communication was cut off. It wasn’t until the lawyer confirmed their safety that the family found some semblance of peace.
Hope Amid Despair
Throughout Israel’s war on Gaza, the family clung to hope that the ongoing prisoner exchange negotiations would include Shadi and Saed. Each delay brought fresh disappointment, but Hajj Abdul Samee remained steadfast in his belief that one day his sons would return home.
When the fifth batch of the prisoner exchange deal between the Gaza resistance and the Israeli occupation was finalized, news arrived that both Shadi and Saed would be released together. However, there was a condition: they would be deported to Turkey immediately upon release.
Hajj Zaid expressed mixed emotions about the arrangement. “How can I be sad when God has honored me by releasing both of them together, which I never dreamed of? And how can I be sad when my two sons are now safe, happy with freedom, far from the brutality of the criminal occupation?”
Though the joy of reunion remains elusive, the ability to communicate with their sons via voice and video calls provides comfort. “It is a feeling of happiness that cannot be described or expressed,” Hajj Zaid said.
Life Beyond Deportation
Now living in exile in Turkey, Shadi and Saed have begun rebuilding their lives after years spent in what many call the “cemetery of the living.” Their deportation ensures they are out of reach of Israeli authorities, who might otherwise attempt to re-arrest or target them.
Despite the distance, Hajj Abdul Samee extends solidarity to all families still waiting for their loved ones to be freed. “My heart is with every father and mother who still has a son in those unjust prisons,” he stated. “I hope that not a single prisoner remains in those cells, and that all the families of the prisoners are relieved of the worry about their sons.”
Advocacy for Freedom
Shadi and Saed’s story highlights the broader struggle of Palestinian prisoners under Israeli occupation. Thousands continue to languish in detention facilities, subjected to harsh conditions and prolonged sentences. The Zaid family’s journey serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made in pursuit of justice and freedom.
As Hajj Abdul Samee waits for the day he may embrace his sons once again, he carries the weight of gratitude and longing. While their freedom is incomplete, it represents a triumph over adversity—a testament to resilience in the face of oppression.
For now, the Zaid family cherishes the moments they share virtually, celebrating the fact that Shadi and Saed are no longer confined within the walls of an oppressive system. Their hope endures, fuelling dreams of a future where all Palestinians can live freely, united in their homeland.
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