It’s true, the deadline has passed with no word on Jill’s fate, but I remain very hopeful, as efforts to secure her release continue non-stop.
As the clock keeps ticking, I’m on pins and needles. The wait is really wearing me down both physically and emotionally. I can’t imagine how hard it must be on her family. I’m unable to sleep through the night, waking up every few hours to check my phone for new text messages or missed calls. Jill has become an integral part of my dream life. Fortunately, most of the dreams are positive, with me talking to her face-to-face and discussing her ordeal.
I was glad to see over the weekend that the Council of American Islamic Relations (CAIR) had sent a delegation all the way to Baghdad as part of their efforts to free Jill. I believe this could have a huge impact. CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad said:
We
are the only people who have come from outside of Iraq to call for
Jill’s release, and we are very hopeful they will hear our message on
behalf of American Muslims … Harming her will do no good at all. The
only way is to release her.
I’m also encouraged by the sheer volume of good wishes and prayers being put out there for my dear friend. Some of those prayers are coming from Amman, Jordan, where my mom and all her friends are praying for Jill’s release. Everyone that Jill touched remembers her sweetness and open, honest character. Such a mobilization of prayer and good will can only bring positive things. God, please bring her home safely.
UPDATE: The CSM has done a bit of a round-up on things with two items particularly catching my eye. First, the director of London’s Islamic Observation Center, Yasser al-Sirri, called on the group that it appears has Jill, the so-called Brigades of Vengeance, to release her rather than tarnish the image of Islam.
Second, Iraq’s Justice Ministry continues to say that it expects the release of six of the nine Iraqi women prisoners this week, despite Coalition comments to the contrary, saying:
"The Iraqi detainees will be released within a week from today." All that said, the article closes with Reuters disturbing report of U.S. forces blowing off the front door of an Iraqi family and dragging one family member off for questioning.
Jill is not Jewish. There have been rumors I have seen on some sites and I can tell you from my personal experience around that she’s not Jewish. She’s Iris-Catholic and profoundly spiritual. She even got interested in Islam, asking all about how you go about being the muslim. She is a good person. these rumors are shit. Don’t look for justification with your shitty conspiracies. She came as her friends said, to help and tell a story that could help everyone, muslims stand up against such rumors. Stop the crap spreading.
Natasha, just to add to what you said (and time will tell if it was prophetic or my desires talking), when I was praying for her I had a picture of you and Jill doing a television interview after her release.
I am also praying for you and Jeff (and Mahmoud and Allan’s family)
Dear Natasha,
Jill worked out of the hotel next to my wife and mine in Baghdad. She was one of the many journalists cramming into the Flowers Land internet sending emails and we hit off a friendship. I shared your sense of disbelief and anguish on hearing of her abduction.
My wife and I are two of the many, many who are praying for her in many places but particularly in Iraq. She stayed through everything over the last years telling Iraqi’s stories to the world. When I sent an email to friends and family asking for prayers for Jill, an Iraqi friend in Baghdad wrote back saying, “All Iraqi’s are praying for her. She is one of us.” His words are a testament to her work as a truth teller and as one of the finest examples of the journalistic profession.
Amen to what Jareer said!Interestingly,Daniel lived in ancient Babylon,which was located in present-day Iraq.
In such a difficult time, and when nobody seems to know what logic those kidnappers follow-if they follow any-and what might deter them from harming this innocent lady caught in the crossfire; only prayers and faith in a merciful and mighty God would release her unharmed and back to her family safe and sound. When Daniel was thrown unjusfully and hatefully in the den of lions; he came out the following day witnessing to the king ” My God has sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me.” Daniel 6:22. Will we all hold on to this faith unil this nightmare is over !