A passionate community rally took place in Tampa, Florida, calling for the release of 16-year-old American-Palestinian Mohammed Zaher Ibrahim, who has been detained in Israel since February 2025. The teen, a U.S. citizen originally from Florida, was arrested while visiting family in the West Bank on allegations of throwing rocks at settlers. His detention without trial has sparked outrage among family members, activists, and local leaders.
The rally, organized under the banner “Free Mohammed Ibrahim,” brought together hundreds of supporters, including local residents, human rights advocates, and family members. Speakers emphasized that Mohammed is not merely a statistic but a teenager whose basic rights and freedoms are at risk. One organizer stated, “No American child should be imprisoned without due process, regardless of where they are in the world.”
Family members report that Mohammed’s health is deteriorating while in custody, citing weight loss and a skin infection. His uncle described the situation as alarming: “He’s still a child, and yet he is being treated like an adult criminal. His safety should be a top priority for both Israel and the U.S.”
U.S. lawmakers have joined the calls for his release. Florida Congresswoman Kathy Castor, representing the Tampa area, urged the U.S. government to secure Mohammed’s freedom, highlighting the importance of protecting American citizens abroad. The U.S. State Department confirmed it is monitoring the situation and engaging with Israeli authorities, though details remain limited due to diplomatic sensitivities.
The case has also drawn attention to broader concerns about the treatment of Palestinian-Americans and the protections they receive when abroad. Activists argue that Mohammed’s detention without clear charges or access to legal representation raises serious human rights questions. One advocate noted, “If he were not Palestinian-American, would he still be held under these conditions?”
The rally underscored the power of community advocacy, with participants promising to continue their efforts through public events, social media campaigns, and direct appeals to lawmakers. The message was clear: the rights and freedoms of American citizens must be defended, no matter where they are detained.
Mohammed’s detention has become a focal point for civic engagement in Tampa, highlighting the intersection of human rights, international law, and American citizenship. As his family and supporters continue to pressure authorities, the hope remains that diplomatic and legal efforts will secure his safe release in the near future.
With ongoing attention from the public and U.S. officials, the community rally in Tampa demonstrates how local activism can shine a light on critical international issues, ensuring that one teen’s rights are not forgotten.
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