West Bank community welcomes Khader Adnan home from Israeli prison
The story of Khader Adnan, who was arrested twice by Israel and recently released, garnered public sympathy in Palestine and throughout the world.
JENIN, West Bank — Cries of joy were heard at the home of administrative detainee Sheikh Khader Adnan after he was released and carried on the shoulders of supporters into his town of Arraba, near Jenin.
Adnan, a Palestinian Islamic Jihad leader who had been imprisoned for a year, was released after a 55-day hunger strike and welcomed home as a hero.
After his release July 12, Adnan stepped out to the rostrum in front of his house and addressed hundreds of people who came from the West Bank and occupied Jerusalem to welcome him. He said Israel made a mistake by detaining him and has paid a high price.
Standing in front of the crowd, Adnan delivered his message of triumph to Israel and an officer of Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security force. The officer had asked Adnan to break the hunger strike he had started May 6 while he was tied to the bed of the hospital, where he was moved after his health deteriorated 31 days into the strike. Adnan replied, “I will be freed with God’s help.” According to Adnan, the officer replied, “God is now preoccupied in Syria, and when He is done, He will make you achieve victory.”
