A Palestinian, whom Israel freed from prison as part of a prisoner exchange, is having his first family iftar after 24 years in captivity. Saeed Hamad az-Zaru, a 65-year-old Palestinian, was surrounded by family at the table on the first day of Ramadan – the first in two decades.
Among dozens of Palestinians released by Israel in a prisoner swap, Hamad az-Zaru is now enjoying freedom. His family gathered around the table to jointly mark the beginning of Ramadan. The family – sons, daughters, wives, grandchildren – came together in the home in the city of Hebron on the western bank.
At the table were more than 70 people, gathering for the first iftar, to break the fast with makloubeh - a Palestinian national dish. Hamad az-Zaru told journalists that he was very happy to meet with his children and have the opportunity to enjoy the traditional dish of the holy month.
Quotation: "This was what I was waiting for, to see the children and eat makloubeh as usual. I consider them my children and have always wanted us to gather together, to enjoy makloubeh in a family setting."
Surrounded by family, getting home and spending time with relatives, he recalled the indescribable joy. He recounted that the last year in prison was full of suffering and deprivation, and how strongly he dreamed of meeting with family after his release.