ADC Update
ADC is delighted in informing the Arab-American community on the release of a Lebanese-American political prisoner, Beshar Saidi, from Israeli custody. ADC played an extensive role in the case, and has received a letter of thanks, along with a number of other organizations, from Mr. Saidi’s wife Sawsan. She movingly wrote that “Words can’t express our gratitude for what you did to help end this ordeal and unite our family again.” ADC is proud to have helped to win the freedom of Beshar Saidi.
Beshar Saidi, a 35 year-old father, husband, and career man, an engineer at “North Star Steel” in Monroe, Michigan, was arrested while visiting his wife’s family in Israel on Christmas day 1997. He was jailed in an Israeli prison for over 18 months, where he was subjected to torture by Israeli officers. He was charged with “Providing service to an illegal organization,” although there was absolutely no evidence presented during his arraignment. His unjustified captivity was ended on June 10, 1999 in an appeal hearing in the central court in Haifa, Israel.
He was released on June 25, 1999 and arrived at his home in Metro Detroit the next day. In an incredibly moving moment, Mr. Saidi embraced his nine-month old baby boy for the very first time.
The Bint Jebail Cultural Center in Dearborn, Michigan will host the Welcome Home Reception for Mr. Saidi on Thursday July 8, 1999 at 6:30 PM. ADC is extremely proud to have taken an extensive role in winning the release of this innocent man. ADC extends its deepest regards, and enthusiastic congratulations as well as hope for a bright future to this courageous man and his family.
ADC will continue to work on winning the release of all other Arab-Americans unjustly held in Israeli jails and subjected to mistreatment and travesties of justice.