On Monday, Dec. 23, the village of Issawiyeh and Palestinians from the neighboring areas turned out in thousands to participate in the homecoming of Samer Issawi, 30, who after 17 months in an Israeli prison was finally released. Issawi had embarked on an epic 266-day hunger strike shortly after his arrest in July 2012, when he began refusing meals in protest of his imprisonment.

Women ululated and an atmosphere not unlike a wedding took place within the Issawi crowded family home. The young men and children outside chanted Issawi’s name and shouted against the Israeli prisons and occupation amid the backdrop of fireworks and lively activity in preparation for Issawi’s return.

“I can say that all the people from the village were out in the streets,” Muna Hasan, an activist and photographer from Jerusalem said. “Dozens came also from all around Jerusalem.”

This display of festivities in the village went on as planned despite the Israeli army interrogating members of Issawi’s family a day in the early morning on the same day of his release and warning them from having the celebrations.