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| Moayd Ghazawneh |
Moayd Ghazawneh, a 34-year-old taxi driver in the Palestinian town of Ar-Ram north of Jerusalem, was returning home on Friday afternoon February 22 when he encountered trouble at the entrance of the town, near the large concrete arches.
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| Scene of the tragedy |
Youths were throwing stones at Israeli soldiers, and they responded by firing tear gas. One canister exploded inside Moayd's cab, overcoming him. He had undergone heart surgery three years ago. It took 20 minutes for the ambulance to get him to the hospital in Ramallah, and doctors said his heart had apparently stopped for eight to 10 minutes. He remained in a coma in the hospital until his death in the early morning of March 15.
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| Moayd's house |
We visited Moayad's family today at their home to listen to their story, express our condolences, and see how we could be of help. His brother Nidal asked us to try to find an organization that could provide financially for Moyad's widow, a son, and two daughters, the youngest of whom was born only yesterday in the same hospital where her father died 10 days before.
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| Nidal Ghazawneh |
Nidal says the family will see a lawyer about filing a claim against the Israeli government for Moayd's death, but a local human rights activist told me such claims rarely succeed because the army argues that the soldiers act in self-defense.
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| Neighborhood mosque |
Nidal says the tragedy received television and newspaper coverage, and he estimates that 2,000 to 3,000 people came to his brother's funeral on March 15 when he was buried in the cemetery by the neighborhood mosque. "As a cab driver, he knew many people," he says.
Moayd's mother told us she feels angry because of her son's death, and is sad that he will never see his new daughter.
The young father's senseless slaying is remembered in a martyr poster (along with the late Palestinian President Yassir Arafat and the current one Mahmoud Abbas), which is displayed around his home and the community.
Small comfort for a family who has lost a loved one, a father, and breadwinner.
dear George, Talked with Elias and Nona yesterday through Fakhira's phone., a nice connection. As I read your blog this morning, I am overwhelmed by the suffering. If I didn't know it were to be true myself, I'd have a difficult time believing the stories you tell. How can this be, I say? I believe your blog should be converted to your next book George. Seeing it in print,in one space, in people's hands may change hearts. Have a blessed Holy Week, and may God bring a just peace this day. Love BiLL
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