Hunger Strike Solidarity Fast: Day 2

From the Archive

Guantánamo prisoner hunger strike day 47

“Try and focus on the sunshine brought by the hunger strike to this dark and cold place known as GTMO and not the physical pain.” — Fayiz al-Kandari, Kuwaiti hunger striker

Humiliated in the Shackles (excerpt)

Sami al Haj

When I heard pigeons cooing in the trees,
Hot tears covered my face.
When the lark chirped, my thoughts composed
A message for my son.
Mohammad, I am afflicted.
In my despair, I have no one but Allah for comfort…

Lord, unite me with my son Mohammad

We Do Not Walk Alone

Chrissy Nesbitt

Community has become the focus of my fast these last two days, made present by its absence. For the first time, I am fasting without the physical solidarity of anyone else around me, and I’m finding that the question, “Why am I doing this again?” is more pressing without the presence of forty other people who have made the same choice. So… why am I doing this again?

Because, in spite of appearances, I am not alone. Across the miles, across the barbed wire, across the media blackout, across the prison walls, the men at Guantánamo are refusing food as well, in conditions where their human dignity and their very lives are at stake.

Courage, Muslim Brothers, you do not walk alone; we will walk with you and sing your spirit home.

A gift of togetherness and encouragement reached us today, in the form of a letter from Fayiz al-Kandari. Fayiz reached out to us through his lawyer, Carlos Warner:

Dear Mr. Warner:

I made this lantern with my brothers. It’s made with bits of paper and cardboard. We used a waterbottle sanded on the floor as glass. We painted it with bits of paint and fruit juice. It’s held together by pressure only. We made this lantern for those in the world who remember and pray for us during this time of suffering. Let its light fill you. Use it to bring peace to your heart.

Thank you
Fayiz Mohammad al Kandry

Our geographical separation from one another during this week can help remind us that, in all the ways that matter, we are not actually separated. We are bound together, one in humanity, with those on whose behalf we fast and act and pray.

Thank you, Fayiz, for your gift, and the strength you give us to keep working for our common humanity. We hope that our light will also fill you and your brothers, and bring peace to your heart.