The resilience and adaptability Palestinian detainees display in the face of the adversity and subjugation in the Israeli occupation jails always leaves lasting impacts on those who follow news of the prisoners. I visited an extensive and unique art exhibition in Gaza city assembled by the captive movement. And I was given an in-depth look at the draconian conditions of life inside of the prisons and how the Palestinian detainees staunchly cope.
The 6-day art exhibition displays many objects made in the prisons including creative sculptures literary works handmade crafts and handwritten letters as well as works from artists and institutions concerning the Palestinian detainees. Also on exhibition are photographs of Palestinian detainees along with paintings that portray the torture and ill-treatment of Palestinian political prisoners.
Leaked video clip
The gallery also incorporated a hidden corner where a video clip illicitly shot within the prisons and leaked to the outside was played for the first time ever. I was amazed and astonished by the will of the Palestinian inmates who are prevented from practicing their basic rights yet they challenge the jailers and invent to survive. It is so heart wrenching.
Activist Hadeel Junaid burst out in tears along with her friends after watching the exclusive scenes which were secretly leaked from inside the occupation cells. She said painfully “I know that they suffer but I have never imagined that it could be as inhumane and harsh as I saw.” The exclusive video in the secret room at the gallery depicts how 10 detainees are jailed in a very overcrowded and small cell along with inadequate bathroom facilities that are not accessible to prisoners with severe medical conditions. The clip shows prisoners happily cooking meals together in their cell despite the restriction on access to most vegetables and fruits. The video also displayed the small library where prisoners write and read together an extraordinary feat in the face of the ban on books and pens. Also shown was how the prisoners challenge the jailers without complaint and how they seek to make a joyful life for themselves despite their conditions. The prisoners in the film were seen celebrating Eid wearing new clothes and singing.
Phones are not permitted in the prisons but this one was somehow smuggled in. The detainee Hasan Salamah who is serving 48 life sentences filmed and narrated his video and is heard saying “We should enjoy our time and support one another because many are remembering and missing their parents kids and families during this blessed occasion. So we stand with each other to keep strong in the face of the occupation to prove that they will never break our spirit.”
“They are stronger than I thought” Hadeel said “yet I feel it’s our duty to keep speaking about them elucidating the horrors of the occupation state and their violence against the humanity of the Palestinian inmates because it’s not fair or normal for any captive in the world to experience such harsh conditions.”
The art exhibition organized by a large number of detainee institutions organizations and unions in the besieged Gaza Strip – in coordination with the Palestinian detainees’ movement inside the occupation prisons – was given the name “We Breathe Freedom.” It’s a name which was suggested by the captives themselves to send the message to the world that nothing can break them or stop them from continuing to dream of and work towards freedom despite the occupation’s relentless subjugation.
Writing Defiance
In another section of the exhibition the fiancée of the Palestinian detainee Naser Ashaweesh stood near the corner which displayed books written by detainees. Her fiancé’s book is among them. “Naser is intellectual” she said. “I am standing here today to share with others his works while he is still in the occupation’s custody although he is sentenced for life.” I asked her about the impossible conditions to actually marry and be rejoined with Naser as he is imprisoned for life. Secondly she is from Gaza and he is from Jenin. It remains impossible to freely move from Gaza to Jenin and vice versa due to the blockade restrictions. She was undeterred by the seemingly insurmountable obstacles reflecting the steadfastness of the captives which is often reflected by their families as well. In a very powerful and buoyant tone she replied “We don’t believe in the word ‘impossible’. We believe that everything could be brought down by our persistence and love.” She added that the occupation authorities prevent the prisoners from practicing their hobbies which helps in reducing their psychic tension. Pens are removed from prisoners at the whim of the jailers. “They have been prevented from using more than one pen and at other times they ban the pens notebooks and even books entirely even chairs and tables and any items that could assist the writing process are removed.” Yet despite the limitation on resources prisoners have managed to write and release books. “Naser suffered from backache after finishing handwriting nearly 130 pages.” It wasn’t easy to take the handwriting out. He kept trying until he succeeded and now we have the written copy of his book another success against the occupation.”
The unflinching devotion to patriotism and the unbound love for their occupied land and their willingness to liberate it prompted those Palestine fighters to forsake worldly pleasures and possessions as they embarked on a dangerous course of action only seeking freedom. And this exhibition demonstrates the failure of the occupation attempts to destroy the spirit of the freedom fighter.
– Wafa Aludaini is a Gaza-based activist and journalist. She contributed this article to the Palestinian Information Center.
