Photo wall of female prisoners in Damon military prison. link to full article: https://english.palinfo.com/reports/2024/02/15/314398/
CALL TO ACTION
Free Fatima Al Rimawi
"Fatima is the most loved teacher at our school, the kids miss her so much" -Colleague
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"We want her to come back and comb our hairs like she used to, treating us like her own children"
-Student
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"Fatima is a lover of peace and freedom, she has always been an advocate for women's rights...I urge you to do everything in your power to help"
-Ghassan Rimawi, Husband of Fatima Al Rimawi
In response to the request from Ghassan Rimawi, the following is an action kit that provides ideas in a call for justice for Fatima Al Rimawi
Fatima Al Rimawi's Story
Fatima Al Rimawi, a Palestinian union leader and educator, was arrested by the Israel Defense Forces in January 2024. Ms. Rimawi has been held without trial in Damon military prison, facing harsh conditions and denied access to medical care, family visits, or legal representation. Her imprisonment, based on allegations of aiding terrorism through social media posts, has deeply impacted her family, students, and community. Fatima's case exemplifies the broader human rights violations faced by Palestinian detainees, particularly women, under Israel's current hardline policies, but it also highlights the potential for justice through the resilience of the Israeli judicial system.
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The impact of Fatima's absence is deeply felt by both students and parents alike. Her colleagues fondly recall her care and presence, saying things like, 'Fatima is the most loved teacher in our school. She's always been so close to the kids, and they miss her so much.' They constantly ask about her, wondering, 'when she'll be back.' One of her students mentioned that 'whenever there's a problem, we ask for Ms. Rimawi because she's the best at solving issues.' Her young female students, in particular, miss her maternal touch, as one shared, 'We want her to come back and comb our hairs like she used to, treating us like her own children.' Even parents are concerned, especially during registration, remembering how 'she always made things easier for them, understanding their financial struggles and helping with the school fees.'
​​​​​​​​​​​​​Fatima's husband, Ghassan Rimawi, has written a letter asking for international solidarity and help to free Fatima saying:
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"I urge you to do everything in your power to help. I am calling you from the oldest city in the world, Jericho, with ten thousand years of civilization, to stand with her and with the other women there, as there are mothers, teachers, and housewives inside the Damon prison who are suffering like her."
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Social Media Campaign
The goal of our social media campaign is to put international pressure on Israel, specifically Israel's Minister of Defense, Yoav Gallant, to release Fatima Al Rimawi immediately. Yoav oversees the IDF and various other Israeli security forces. He is also in charge of all the military prisons and prisoners, including the Damon prison where Fatima is being held. When taking action, address your demands to Minister Yoav Gallant.
Twitter handle: @yoavgallant​
Social media messaging is contained in each one of these platforms. Click on the icon or use the links at the top of this page to see more.
Email Action
Email your local foreign ministers and ambassadors to Israel, typically these emails can be found on the department's website.
In addition you can email the Israeli Ministry of Defense, written below.
Address your concerns directly and highlight the injustice of Fatima's case. Demand her immediate release.
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Ministry of Defense's Head Deputy of the International Defense Cooperation Directorate (SIBAT):
Damon Military Prison
Below is a link to the B'Tselem report "Welcome to Hell" on the Israeli prison system. This report covers the torture that Palestinian prisoners endure in prison, including the Damon military prison where Fatima is currently being held.
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