Samaher Esmail, a Palestinian-American grandmother, was kidnapped by Israeli forces from her home in Silwad, a Palestinian Village in the West Bank, on February 4, 2024. Her family just learned that the Israelis have tortured Mrs. Esmail, leaving black and blue bruises all over her body. The extent of internal injuries is unknown as Mrs. Esmail is not being provided with her basic medications, let alone medical treatment. 

At the time of her kidnapping, Mrs. Esmail was pursuing a complaint against Israeli forces for breaking her ribs when she objected to the mistreatment of a child at an Israeli checkpoint.  The same day of her disappearance, she informed her family that she was continuing to pursue her complaint against Israeli forces.  

WE DEMAND that the Biden Administration:

1. Immediately visits Samaher Esmail; 

2. Demands that Samaher Esmail receives her medications and medical treatment for her injuries;

3. Demands the release of Samaher Esmail from administrative detention;

4. Makes immediate arrangements for the return of Samaher Esmail to the United States

Samaher Esmail is a respected mother, grandmother, American businesswoman, and beloved resident of New Orleans. She was born in New York and has devoted her life to the community she loves dearly. She raised four children who have gone on to serve the public in health and engineering fields - a testament to the values she instilled in them. Her dedication to education has resulted in two of her children graduating from esteemed institutions such as Xavier and LSU, and the other two are currently enrolled at UNO.

Please join us in demanding accountability from those who have sworn duty to protect American citizens abroad – and sign this petition today