Anglican Palestinian woman Layan Nasir released from detention by Israel after 8 months
Layan Nasir, a member of St. Peter’s Anglican Church in the occupied West Bank city of Birzeit, was under administrative arrest by Israel. Photo: post on X
[Episcopal News Service] Layan Nasir, a 24-year Anglican Palestinian woman who had been held by Israel in administrative detention for eight months without charge, was released Dec. 5 after Episcopal and Anglican leaders joined global authorities this year in condemning Israel’s detention policies.
“We give thanks to God for answered prayers and to the advocates who have worked tirelessly to secure her freedom,” The Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations said in a Dec. 6 statement reacting to the news of Nasir’s release.
Soldiers arrived at Nasir’s home in the West Bank village of Birzeit at 4 a.m. April 6 and threatened her family as they searched the house before taking her away. She had remained in detention without a timeline for charges or a trial. Former Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and other bishops throughout the Anglican Communion called on Israel to release Nasir, who is a member of St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Birzeit.
Since the war between Israel and Hamas started in October 2023, Israel has allegedly arrested 10,200 Palestinians, including Nasir, in the West Bank, according to Addameer, a Palestinian nongovernmental organization based in Ramallah in the West Bank.
“While celebrating Layan’s release, we lament the thousands of Palestinians who remain in administrative detention without charges, without a timeline for trial, and without contact with loved ones and religious leaders,” the Office of Government Relations said. “We ask that all Palestinians who are unjustly detained be released, and that all Israeli hostages be allowed to return home.”
The war has so far resulted in the deaths of more than 42,000 Palestinians and at least 1,200 Israelis, according to latest report by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
The Episcopal Peace Fellowship Palestine Israel Network, also known as EPF PIN, also released a statement Dec. 6. “While EPF PIN welcomes Nasir’s release, we recognize that the foundational injustice of Israel’s occupation and genocidal assault on Gaza continues unabated, indeed escalated,” the statement said.
Nasir had reportedly been detained previously in 2021 for nonviolent organizing activities as a student at Birzeit University. She completed her studies after being released from detention.
The Holy Land conflict was much discussed in June during the church’s 81st General Convention, held in Louisville, Kentucky. At least 16 resolutions related to the conflict were proposed for bishops’ and deputies’ consideration. One of the resolutions (D075) adopted by convention called for Nasir’s immediate release.
Over the last year, protests calling for a ceasefire and divestment from companies with financial ties to Israel have spread worldwide, including dozens of colleges across the United States.
“The Episcopal Church continues to advocate for an immediate and sustained ceasefire, full humanitarian access, and an end to impunity and violence,” The Office of Government Relations said in its press release. “We remain committed to pursuing a just and lasting peace in the Holy Land.”
EPF PIN noted in its press release that Nasir was released at the same time a report from Amnesty International was published, concluding after an investigation that Israelis committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
“EPF PIN will continue to strive for just peace for Palestinians,” the press release said.
-Shireen Korkzan is a reporter and assistant editor for Episcopal News Service. She can be reached at skorkzan@episcopalchurch.org.
