21-Mohammad Saleh (Abu Habsa), mourning his son, who is considered a martyr, a shaheed
Born in 1948 during the exile, 70 years old. From Sarees/Saris village west of Jerusalem. The family lived in tents; now lives in Kalandia refugee camp near Ramallah. He has a history with Palestinian revolutionary movements, suffering many years imprisoned. After his 21-year-old son stabbed settlers at the Jaffa Gate in the Old City of Jerusalem, the police slashed, beat, and killed the young man. Three prior incidents of violence by Israelis against relatives and friends might have motivated the young man who never told his father or mother about his decision to violently retaliate against Israeli oppression. The Israeli army then destroyed the new addition intended for the son on top of their house. Mohammad preserved part of that destroyed addition as a memorial and museum. His wife still cries over the loss of their son. He brought us to the cemetery and explained that many martyrs—shaheed—are buried there. Later, he accompanied us as we interviewed the remaining 3 women in Kalandia refugee camp. One cried asking him to visit her more frequently.
