Holy Land: Quaker school calls for solidarity with Shadi Khoury

Shadi Khoury

On Thursday, 17 July, Shadi Khoury, a former student of Ramallah Friends School, in the West Bank, Palestine, will face what may be the final hearing in his long ordeal before the Israeli military court. Friends across the globe are urged to stand in solidarity with Shadi and his family, to pray for justice, and to take immediate action.

Shadi was only a 10th grade student when he was arrested by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) in October 2022. Taken from his home and imprisoned without the presence or support of his parents, he endured months of physical and psychological abuse, including beatings, isolation, and intense surveillance. Despite these traumatic circumstances, Shadi demonstrated remarkable courage and resilience. He continued his studies under home arrest and proudly graduated from Ramallah Friends School. Today, he is pursuing higher education at Birzeit University in Palestine.

Shadi's charges is based on unsubstantiated allegations of participating in a protest. What followed was a prolonged and deeply flawed legal process which has lasted for several years. After exhausting every possible excuse to delay proceedings, prosecutors are now rushing to conclude the case. His case reflects a disturbing pattern in which Palestinian youth are detained, interrogated, and prosecuted under an opaque military system that denies them basic legal protections.

The upcoming court ruling will not only determine Shadi's personal future - it will also stand as a symbol of the systemic injustice faced by so many young people living under military occupation.

We call upon Friends and people of conscience everywhere to act now:

- Write letters to your members of Congress or parliamentary representatives, urging them to advocate for the human rights of Palestinian children and to pressure Israeli authorities to end unjust military trials and arbitrary detentions.

- Hold Shadi in the Light. As people rooted in the Quaker tradition of peace and justice, we believe in the power of collective prayer and spiritual solidarity.

- Share Shadi's story in your meetings, churches, and communities. Use your voice to amplify the truth.

- Let us stand with him, and with all who face injustice, with unwavering love and determination.