Ali Abdulemam

There is always a big difference between experiencing pain and writing or reading about it. There is something unique about reading about a similar struggle you went through for a period of time. The feeling can be described as the sensation of taste. You can describe how delicious a certain food is, yet you will never piece in your imagination how it really is unless you actually have a taste. One can depict death yet no one can truly know what death is until they experience it.

That was the main thought that went through my mind when I was reading the "Jaw" novel (Jaw: Tale of Prisoner Jihad). I asked myself, what "Jaw" is "Jihad" trying to portray and take us on a journey to. I was reading it with caution, anticipation, fear and hesitation. I wished that he hadn't mentioned all those atrocities so that I would not re-live the pain. It was as if I was begging him to leave out the details of those crimes so that they would be forgotten with time. As I was reading, I was frightened to see what other suffering is mentioned in the following sentence, because our hearts no longer bear more than they have. Despite that, I always call for the remembrance of such tragedies since it is a testament and part of our history.

"Jaw" illustrated all the atmospheres within the prison walls, from the study and education cells created by prisoners from all walks of life, to the one-family atmosphere, the revolutionary feel, the pain of torture and suffering, the mood of perseverance and hope and other vibes you can sense when reading the novel.

I did not read "Jaw" like any other ordinary novel, as a part of me was present in the very fragments of its details. I experienced all their "atmospheres" there. I went through a portion of what they suffered, yet the rage was the same. I felt the same helplessness and urge to revolt; knowing that you were not born for this and that you are better than this mercenary keeping you behind bars.

I do not know why "Jihad" insisted on making my agony even greater by dedicating a special thanks to me in the introduction of the novel, as if he wanted me to be indebted to him for the rest of my life. My dear "Jihad", your favor and thanks are a badge of honor and in your prison, you are the most honorable.

"Jihad" was outstanding in his portrayal of the residents of "Jaw" prison and their struggles. This novel reflects great pains, representing a heard voice for every [political] prisoner there, since phone lines and family visits are no longer enough to voice the level of pain experience there. To "Jihad" who still resides in "Jaw", I say: "{If you are suffering, they are also suffering like you, but you expect from Allah what they do not expect.}"

*Human Rights Defender and Online Activist

Arabic Version