A leader inside and out side the prison

Al-Awawda family has sacrificed her best sons to fight against the occupation forces. They are Salah and Jamal Al-Awawda, the first sentenced for life and the second for fifteen years to the latter. The charge is refusing to accept the occupation and wanting to live in freedom.

Childhood and Education

Jamal was born in 1969 to a conservative family. Jamal completed his preparatory schools and continued his secondary school in Al-Khalil. He enrolled in the Islamic Faculty in Al-khalil University; but the occupation forces prevented him from completing his studies by arresting him. He shared the responsibility of his family with his father by working as a farmer. And after getting married, Jamal’s responsibility became greater.

Arrest

In April 15, 1993, occupation forces attacked Karma village and arrested Jamal and his brother Salah-E’deen. He was charged of being a member in Al-qassam Brigades, planning to kill traitors and contributing to resisting the occupation. He was sentenced for 15 years in prison. After being charged of planning to kill traitors, his family suffers from the relatives of those traitors. The families of traitors beat his father and his family was attacked many times.

During Detention

Although the atmosphere of the prison is very bad and different types of torture are used against prisoners, there are prisoners who adapt to this kind of agony and live steadfast against the oppressors. Jamal has suffered from different kinds of diseases inside the prison. He suffers from ailments in his eyes, stomach, and bones. But he is a leader and an example to fellow prisoners; just like he was when he was outside.

Occupation forces have prevented Al-Awawda family from visiting their two sons since 2001. But they live on the hope that freedom will be attained soon.