Free the Captives: Witness Against Illegal Detention and Torture

At the time of this writing, the deadline is upon us, and there is no news yet from Iraq. It is tempting at this difficult time for all of us to hold our breath.

As a guest in Iraq, Tom has spoken and written often of the awesome hospitality and compassion of the Iraqi families and communities with whom he works. His team has been involved in the formation of Muslim Peacemaker Teams in Kerbala & Najaf, and he is a friend and admirer of many Iraqi Muslims who endure suffering and sacrifice in order to support strategic nonviolent alternatives to the warfare that engulfs their country. The isolation and sacrifice Tom himself has endured for his work is continually inspired by the resilience of these people, as well as his own deep faith in the power of God's mercy and compassion.

The deadline is here, but with so many voices, particularly in the Arab world – even militant groups have raised their voices – calling for their release, it is not impossible that this could drag on for weeks. We are very grateful for the all the voices being raised on the behalf of these devout and pacific men, and we are surprised and amazed be joined by groups such as Hamas, Hezbolah, and Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade. Their means are not our means, and many of their goals are not our goals. But it is remarkable that they are now part of an unprecedented worldwide witness for compassion and mercy in Iraq. Even as we await more news from Baghdad, there is not time for us to fall silent.

Last night Muslims and Quakers joined together in a vigil at one of the largest mosques in the Washington DC area to call for the release of our friends. It is critical for us to continue this collective witness even while the fate of Tom and the others remains unknown.

And when this ordeal is over, let us not forget the spirit of friendship and common concern that has shone forth in this trial. Let us make it the beginning of a new kind of work for peace.