In the Israeli military prison known as Megiddo, a Palestinian prisoner has met his son for the first time ever. The father, known as Megiddo al-Khateeb, is a 38-year old resident of Balata refugee camp located near Nablus in the West Bank. He was arrested some 18 years ago and charged with allegedly aiding in the killing f an Israeli osoldier and

eventually received a 20-year sentence. While in prison, his pregnant wife delivered his only son a few months after Khateeb’s imprisonment. Over the past 18 years, al-Khateeb was not able to see his son except from a distance during limited visitation hours.

However, six months ago, Khateeb’s son, Mahmoud, was also arrested in Balata and was sent to the same Israeli prison, awaiting trial, where his father is still serving his term sentence. Eventually, the two, father and son, were able to unite in prison for the first time. It was an emotional moment for both men in a very strange location, that of refugees, imprisonment and despair.         

As for the wife and mother, Um Mahmoud, she stated that her son has waited in vain for the moment to meet and hug his father. Although such moment of reunion has come, it was never expected to be in prison. In the meantime, the two have managed to hug and cry with each other for over half an hour. Mahmoud is expected to receive a sentence that may exceed six years of imprisonment for allegations that he is a member of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades. Despite the harsh reality of prison life in Israel, Um Mahmoud feels some comfort that her husband and son are finally together. She is hoping for their quick release, and that they may stay together, given that Israeli authorities often remove prisoners to other locations. 

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