We were granted two visits with Mordechai on succeeding days, January 17 and 18.
After the usual search, we saw Mordechai standing at the red (no-cross)
line, arbitrarily painted half way down the road in the open garden area.
As we approached him, he crossed the line by several steps, much to the
displeasure of an accompanying guard. We embraced, hugged and then
proceeded to the visitors' room in a nearby shelter.
Mordechai appeared physically fit, always clean and well shaven, but
wearing the same old clothes. We asked about the letters and packages that
we sent, to determine if he is receiving everything. We learned that the
clothing we and others have sent are kept "in storage" for him, and that he
is not allowed to receive clothing that might give him human dignity and
respectable identity.
The first day's visit was more somber and serious in tone than previous
visits. After the exchange of pleasantries, we talked about release
prospects. Mordechai has little personal hope for an early release, and
repeated the April, 2004 release date he had been given. He is totally
driven and determined to see this crisis in his life through to the bitter
end. The stifling, ever-present boredom and loneliness of daily prison
life continues to discourage him. He maintains a daily routine of exercise
and walking within the limited space authorized for him. He remains
guarded about his dietary needs, and unfortunately, he continues to eat
alone.
Mordechai treated us with slices of chocolate roll, coke and mineral water
that he was able to buy in the prison canteen. We were moved by this act
of kindness.
He is now out of isolation, a punishment for, among other things,
disobeying prison rules regarding daily muster calls. He considers these
small violations to be acts of "civil disobedience" and he continues to
feel compelled to engage in them. He does not mingle with the Israelis
imprisoned there and is never permitted to even see the Palestinian
prisoners.
Mordechai remains concerned about spy conspiracies in international
relations with Israel, as well as the ongoing spying of guards within the
prison. As in the past, our conversations were monitored by an English
speaking guard who sits within earshot, continuously taking notes and
making sure we steer clear of "forbidden" topics.
He remains current on the political climate and violence in Israel and the
occupied territories through magazine subscriptions. When we asked about
the upcoming Israeli elections, we were surprised to hear him say that he
thinks his chances for early release are better with Sharon than with
another Barak government. He told us that he had received a letter from
the prison officials indicating that he cannot renounce his Israeli
citizenship until he has acquired other citizenship.
Mordechai continues to talk about nuclear weapons as the stumbling block to
peace in the Middle East, and asked that we remain steadfast in our efforts
to bring about nuclear disarmament. When he uttered the word "Dimona", the
female English speaking guard cut him short. We changed the subject.
Mordechai's face begins to glow whenever we talk about the letters, cards
and tapes that he continues to receive from his faithful friends and
supporters. These items from the outside world sustain him and help to
relieve boredom. His outgoing mail continues to be held up for months
before it is released into the Israeli postal system.
Our visit the next day was more upbeat. Mordechai again treated us to
chocolate roll and coke. We joked a little about his physical regimen,
since he claims that he can do 50 pushups! He actually smiled on several
occasions. He knew that Mairead McGuire, Nobel Laureate from Belfast,
North Ireland, had nominated him for the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize. We
brought with us a copy of the "Humanist Award for 2000" awarded to him by
the Church of Humanism of New York. All these laurels give him hope.
Again we talked at length about a Gandhian response to the evils of prison
life and about prison workers who obediently "do their jobs and obey
authority" to dehumanize him. He vows to continue to endure and actively
resist whenever possible.
Our second meeting was cut short and as before,
Mordechai crossed the red line to take leave of us. We told him we loved
him, and that we would see him again. He continued to stand at the red
line until we exited the steel door.
Nicholas and Mary Eoloff, Mordechai Vanunu's adoptive parents, live in St.
Paul, Minnesota. This is the 5th time they've travelled to Israel to
visit their son at Ashkelon Prison.
