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Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land calls for release of Natalie Abudayyeh

July 24, 2026 · 1 min read

msc

Fri, 07/24/2026 - 20:32

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, with other churches and individuals across the world, are calling for the release of Natalie Abudayyeh, a 21-year-old university student who has now been held in Israeli prison for nearly two months.

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Photo: ELCJHL

“ Though we thank each of you who have advocated for Natalie over the last several weeks, we are both devastated and outraged to share that our voices, and the voices of all others who have called for her release, have not been heard,” reads a statement by Bishop Dr Imad Haddad, Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land.

“ Today Natalie had an appearance in Israeli military court,” he explained.

During this hearing, the judge ordered that she remain in prison until 23 September, when she will make another court appearance.

“ Israeli authorities have denied all the family's requests to have Natalie released on bail for the duration of the proceedings and have refused to allow them…

Source: World Council of Churches · Read the full story →

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💬 Comments (6) 🌐 Show original

Светлана Новикова

I feel sorry for the girl, twenty-one years old - very young. Two months in prison without trial, and now they have extended it until September. Interestingly, what exactly she was being held for was not written in the article.

Lukáš Šimko

Unfortunately, twenty-one years and almost two months in prison without a proper trial. It's a shame that the article really doesn't say a word about what they actually blame her for. I will pray for her that it clears up quickly.

Juraj Horváth

I agree, two months without a proper trial is a long time and one would like to know what exactly they are accusing her of. It's a shame that they left it out in the article, at least it would have been clearer what it was about. I will pray for Natalia with you, that it will be cleared up as soon as possible and that she will return home.

Mária Horváthová

You are right, Juraj, two months without a clear accusation is a really long time and the family must be going through hell. It is a pity that the article did not at least state the basic facts of what she is accused of. I am praying with you that it clears up quickly and she gets back to studying.

Maria, I agree, two months is really long and the family must be going through it hard. It's a shame that the article also left out the reason for the detention, at least we would know what it was about. Hopefully by September it will finally be cleared up and Natalie will be back at university.

Anna Šimková

You are right, Juraj, two months is a long time and one would expect at least a basic accusation in such a case. It's really missing from the article, so one can only guess. I will also pray for her, that it will be clear by September.