©Sarah Shaw
Hostage International launches its first-ever holiday season campaign to raise much-needed funds and awareness
As many families join together this holiday season, Hostage International is launching a campaign to encourage people to spare a thought for all those who may be held hostage or arbitrarily detained, and their families.
During what should be a celebratory season, many of the families we support will be apart.
Some will be held, having committed no crime, arbitrarily detained in prison cells, while families back home will have a missing place at the table.
For those affected by hostage-taking, the holidays are a painful reminder of absence.
Throughout the world, the moon and stars have symbolism for many, and for hostages and their families, the moon and stars often represent hope and light and a connection to loved ones.
One former hostage, currently supported by Hostage International, said: “Seeing the moon made me feel I was still “on earth” because for a long time I could barely see any sky, just walls.
“The stars and the moon made me feel closer to loved ones, as I’d spent my childhood stargazing with family.
“I knew they’d look up, and search for me there. And in turn, I was looking up knowing they were doing the same.”
Hostage International co-founder and president, Sir Terry Waite KCMG CBE, himself a former hostage who spent 1,763 days in captivity (including four Christmases) said: “During those long years as I was kept in a dark cell I hardly ever saw the sky.
“Once I was able to catch a glimpse of it when a very small wooden shutter in the primitive bathroom had been left open. I wondered if I would ever experience freedom and see my family and friends again. That was one of many Christmas days spent totally alone.
“It is hard for most people to imagine what it is like to be alone at this time of the year and even harder to know how you can help them.
“Hostage International is in touch with hostages and their families all over the world and by sending us a donation you will be supporting many who feel alone and often frightened to help make this difficult time a little more bearable.
“When you see the moon please think of all those whose lives have been torn apart by hostage situations and please give what you can.
“Thank you for your support and may you have a happy and peaceful time this holiday period/ Christmas.”
Thank you to artist Sarah Shaw for creating the illustrations for this campaign.
