MUHAMED ABUSHAKER
Muhamed ran two successful clothing factories in Gaza, Palestine, before the first Intifada. The Intifada ruined his business and in 1993 Muhamed came to the US in search of economic opportunity. He was working as a tailor when his life was forever changed by a knock on the door on Oct. 16, 2001. Muhamed was taken from his home in handcuffs in front of his wife, Karima, and baby daughter, Yusra. He was never read his rights nor charged with a crime. He thought it was a misunderstanding and would soon be released. After over a year in detention, Muhamed was released on bail. But he was re-arrested in August, 2003. He was scheduled to be deported to Palestine, but was removed from a plane at the last moment for unknown reasons. With Muhamed in prison, his wife and daughter left for Canada, where they hoped to obtain political asylum. Muhamed was deported to Gaza late in 2003. Karima thinks she will never see him again.