The ICRC sometimes organizes transportation for families going to visit imprisoned relatives. The women are determined to keep family ties intact in spite of administrative difficulties, security problems and long travelling times.
One woman says: “I have two sons in prison. As soon as I receive authorization to get on the next bus, I start preparing food and gathering some things for them. I spend an entire day collecting and labelling everything I bring to them to avoid any problems with security. I arrive at the ICRC office at 3:30 a.m. If all goes well, we get to the prison around 11 a.m. and we won’t get back until late at night. It is unbearable for a mother to be separated from her children. I try to hide my grief when my three girls are around, but when I’m alone, it tears me up inside.” Israel, 2003.