On the night of June 6th, 2023, Israeli occupation forces stormed the home of Amal Shujaeiah, a 21-year-old journalism and media student at Birzeit University. She was living in the village of Deir Jarir, near Ramallah, Amal was abruptly awakened at 2 AM by the sound of soldiers breaking into her family home.
The soldiers conducted a thorough search, focusing particularly on Amal’s room. They confiscated several personal belongings, including her mobile phone and laptop. After confirming her identity, they informed her family of her arrest, leaving her mother and siblings shocked and devastated. Her father, who was traveling abroad at the time, was not present to witness the ordeal. Only her mother and siblings were there to see her taken away.
Amal was accused of vague offenses, such as university activism and incitement through social media. These charges lacked substantial evidence, according to her defense attorney, who argued that the case was built on baseless claims designed to suppress Palestinian youth activism. During her detention, Amal’s court hearings were postponed five times, leaving her family in a state of uncertainty and despair.
Inside the prison, Amal endures harsh and inhumane conditions. The overcrowded cells amplify the discomfort caused by the extreme summer heat and the biting cold of winter. Her days are mostly spent confined to her cell, with only one hour per day allowed for “recreation.” This brief time is used for showering, washing clothes, and cleaning the cell. Despite these limitations, Amal and her fellow detainees try to make the best of their circumstances by memorizing and interpreting the Quran. However, even this small solace is often disrupted by prison authorities, who confiscate their books, papers, and other personal items.
Despite these challenges, Amal remains steadfast. She views her imprisonment as a test from God, believing that her endurance will be rewarded. Among her fellow detainees, Amal is a beacon of hope and inspiration. Her words of encouragement, such as, “As long as the light of God guides the heart, we are safe,” uplift those around her. Fellow prisoners affectionately call her the “Rose of Damon Prison” and the “Balm of the Female Prisoners” for her ability to spread optimism and strength.
Amal’s absence has deeply affected her family. Her mother describes an overwhelming sense of emptiness, while her father calls Amal “the light of the house.”, her younger siblings, Omar and Ammar, eagerly await her return, yearning for the warmth and guidance of their older sister. Her sister Yaqeen, a high school senior, and her brother Ahmad, also a student at Birzeit University, struggle emotionally and academically without Amal’s support.
Amal was known among her peers for her dedication to journalism and media studies. She believed in the power of media to raise awareness about societal issues and highlight the struggles of the Palestinian people. Through her academic work, she aspired to create programs that would inform and inspire future generations. Her arrest interrupted a promising academic journey, but her resilience continues to inspire those around her.
While Amal’s arrest initially garnered local and international sympathy, the response fell short of creating meaningful pressure on the occupying forces. Protests and demonstrations in her support were small and lacked the momentum needed to challenge the status quo. Her family believes that widespread surveillance and the targeting of activists have discouraged broader public mobilization.
For Amal, imprisonment has been a journey of faith and resilience. She remains determined to continue her academic and personal goals upon her release. Her family is confident that she will return stronger, serving as a symbol of hope and perseverance for Palestinian youth. Amal’s story reflects the daily injustices faced by hundreds of Palestinian prisoners under occupation. Despite immense challenges, she holds onto hope, believing that freedom and justice will prevail.
Amal’s story is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of hope in the face of oppression.
Article by Noura Manassra
