Holy Land: Quaker school students appeal for release of Shadi Khoury

Shadi Khoury

The Ramallah Friends School student council organized a vigil today, in solidarity with their 16-year-old colleague Shadi Khoury. Shadi was arrested from his parents' home and has been held without charge, beaten, and interrogated by the Israeli military since Tuesday, October 18th.

The students reflected on the lack of fundamental protections for them and the many cases of abuse they endure as children living under a brutal military occupation. Shadi's father also spoke to his son's classmates, teachers, and community, and shared with everyone the horrifying conditions of his detention. He was thankful for this stand of solidarity and shared with us Shadi's love for his friends, school, and community. We sincerely hope that this effort will help keep Shadi's spirits high, despite the circumstances.

Our students and community are in pain. We love and miss Shadi very much. We feel helpless that we, as a community, cannot even offer our children the simplest of protections. Shadi should be preparing for his IB diploma and should not be in a prison cell being interrogated by soldiers.

We renew our call to people of conscience everywhere to mobilize efforts in support of Shady and all Palestinian children who experience the brutality of Israeli detention at young ages. This is no way to treat a child. Alumni, Friends, and supporters, please reach out to your government officials, faith communities, and humanitarian organizations and most importantly keep sharing about this pervasive issue that Shady and other Palestinian children experience regularly.

Our hearts, minds, and prayers are with you, Shady. Please hold our community in the Light.