On Saturday 3rd January about 200 people from all over the country came to Newhall Prison to stand with and show support for Heba, demanding her transfer to Bronzefield. Faced with around 100 police, protesters managed to get to the fence and make a solid noise.
The determination of protesters to get to the fence matched the clarity with which the hunger strikers and all the Filton 24 have talked about Palestine and what motivated them to act. These are people who tried to stop arms going to Israel. Who tried to highlight the complicity and duplicity of the UK government (recognising the State of Palestine but allowing arms to go to Israel in order to destroy it)
Later on, we heard from Musheir Al Farra who commended Heba’s bravery and determination and that of all the hunger strikers. Musheir went to focus on Gaza and the genocide and how in the coming months we will need the same pace of activism.
And then we heard a translation of a moving and brave tribute to Heba from her mum
“My precious daughter and light of my eyes, Heba, I write these words to you with a heart overflowing with longing and yearning for you. So much time has passed while you have been far from me in body, but you have never been absent from my thoughts or my prayers for a single moment.
I want you to know how proud I am of you and of your strength in facing these difficult days. Prison, my daughter, is only a prison of walls; the soul always remains free through hope and faith. Consider this period a test from God, and a moment to reflect on the past and build a stronger, more beautiful future. We are all waiting for the day you return and fill the house with your laughter once again.
Be strong, and take care of your health and your inner peace. Remember that what you are going through is not the end of the world, but the beginning of learning new lessons. We are here behind you, supporting you and loving you without limits. No matter how long the night of waiting lasts, the sun of freedom will surely rise.
I promise you that I will always remain by your side, and I will wait for you at every door and every exit, so that together we can begin a new page filled with joy and safety.
I entrust you to God, whose trusts are never lost.
Your mother”
ابنتي الغالية وقرة عيني هبه
أكتب لكِ هذه الكلمات وقلبي يفيض بالشوق والحنين إليكِ. مرّ الكثير من الوقت وأنتِ بعيدة عني جسداً، لكنكِ لم تغيبي عن بالي ولا عن دعائي ولو للحظة واحدة.
أريدكِ أن تعلمي أنني فخور/ة بكِ وبقوتكِ في مواجهة هذه الأيام الصعبة. السجن يا ابنتي هو سجن الجدران فقط، أما الروح فتبقى حرة دائماً بالأمل والإيمان. اعتبري هذه الفترة اختباراً من الله، ومحطة لتأمل الماضي وبناء مستقبل أقوى وأجمل. نحن جميعاً ننتظر اليوم الذي تعودين فيه لتملئي البيت بضحكتكِ من جديد.
كوني قوية، وحافظي على صحتكِ وهدوء نفسكِ. تذكري أن ماتمرين به ليس نهاية العالم، بل هو بداية لتعلم دروس جديدة. نحن هنا خلفكِ، ندعمكِ ونحبكِ بلا حدود، ومهما طال ليل الانتظار، فلا بد من شروق شمس الحرية.
أعدكِ أنني سأظل بجانبكِ دائماً، وسأنتظركِ عند كل باب وكل مخرج، لنبدأ معاً صفحة جديدة يسودها الفرح والأمان.
استودعتكِ الله الذي لا تضيع ودائعه
أمك
