In 2015 Ahmad Manasra, a Palestinian 13 year old was run over by Israeli patrol, leaving him in a pool of blood without aid, while Israeli settlers verbally abused him. Minutes earlier, Ahmad’s cousin, Hassan, was shot dead, after an alleged knife-stabbing attack on an Israeli security guard in an illegal Israeli settlement.
Still suffering major skull and body injuries, Ahmad, a minor back then, was taken for “suspicion” of involvement in the alleged stabbing, violently interrogated without the presence of a lawyer or a family member or any adult for that matter. As a result, he was sentenced to 12 years in prison, despite lack of evidence and absence of proof of his involvement. For the past 7 years, Ahmad’s been deprived of basic human rights, like access to proper healthcare and regular visitation. He’s been subjected to continuous physical and psychological torture, and thrown in solitary confinement for most of his time in prison.

April 13th was Ahmad’s retrial. Although the “terrorism” designation was finally dropped off, Ahmad remains behind bars and his mental health continues to deteriorate.
In court, his mom welcomed him, like a mom would her child parading in a school concert. To her, he’s still that child snatched out of her arms. With comforting voice she kept calling his name and repeating: “I am here,  my son, we all love you.”
Ahmad was quickly removed from the room following his mom’s request to get closer to him.
Her warm voice is still ringing in my ears, the way his eyes lit up when he saw her, how he waved his hand at his family, like a little child, is all I can see every time I close my eyes. It broke my heart beyond description.
To our brave Ahmad, to his composed mom, and all strong moms of Palestinian children unlawfully detained in Israeli prisons, I dedicate my poem.
For more details search: #FreeAhmadManasra and #الحرية_لأحمد_مناصرة
You can support Ahmad in his fight for freedom by signing this Petition.

Captive Dove

Do you see me?
I am here, my love
You walk in, a man
Raised by darkness
Your broken heart tired of life
Longing for a moment of justice

But to me, my love
You’re still the child
I never hugged goodbye
That 13 year old dove
Innocent and wild
With wings eager to fly

Amidst the tumultuous crowd
I hear your stillness
Our eyes meet, time stops
Beneath that mask
I espy your illness and
7 long years tattooed across

I am here, my love
Look at me, I stand by you
Like a soaring olive tree
They pull me away
But beside you I stay
Holding you tight from afar

Listen to my heart pound in your chest
Watch my lungs breathe in your scent
Feel my fingers kiss your scarred wrist and
Trust I’ll do my absolute best
For I’m your guardian angel and
You, despite darkness, my shiniest star

My hands are tied
Just like yours
We watch us both wither away
Son, don’t surrender
We’ll smash these doors and
Justice will prevail one day

I know they broke your spirit
Put out the fire in your striking eyes
Your tortured body is now numb, yet
Your head can’t hold back the cries
You no longer remember the truth
But we’re keeping track of their lies

Ripped out of my chest
My heart is weeping
As they drag you, my baby
Into the abyss,
Your tired shoulders already sleeping
Your angry feet trampling hope’s kiss

A desperate soul I’ll flutter around you
To scare the dark away
Rock-a-bye baby, let your mind rest
I got you… And
Won’t stop, no way
Till my little bird’s back in his nest