News of the death of Sheikh Khader Adnan, after 86 days on a hunger strike protesting his administrative detention, has shocked the entire Palestinian population. His passing is being marked with nationwide strikes, protests, and a renewed determination for resistance.

The logic of a hunger strike is firmly founded in the theory and philosophy of nonviolence. It is an important tactic in a moral and spiritual battle, where an activist asserts the truth, legitimacy, and moral righteousness of one’s case, not by attacking one’s tormentors, but by voluntarily taking upon oneself the punishment and suffering. It is an eloquent and impressive assertion that draws widespread attention to a particular issue. It challenges one and all (including one’s enemies) to support one’s claims and, in the case of one’s enemies, to change their course of action. It represents a sort of “moral jiu jitsu” whereby the weaker party allows the full strength of their powerful opponent to fall on them, and rather than resist their opponent head-on, to let the weight of the opponent cause them to fall.

In this case, the injustice against which Sheikh Khader Adnan was protesting is that of administrative detention. Why should he have been jailed, without charges or trial? If Israel is accusing him of anything, they have all the machinery of an unjust military court system to try and convict him. Yet, they could not do that, because they had no proof that he had done anything wrong. Instead, they arrogantly and repeatedly jailed him for extended periods of “administrative detention.” This is an evil tool that represents the utter arrogance and unrestrained power that the Israelis hold over Palestinians, and which they have been using with increasing frequency. Any Palestinian, certainly anyone politically or socially active, is subject to the use or threat of this unjust measure. Currently more than 1,000 Palestinians are detained under administrative detention, without charge or trial. Merely a determination by the commander, or whoever he has delegated this power, that a certain individual should be kept in detention—for up to six months, renewable indefinitely. This device has been used during interrogations. After a prisoner refuses to “confess,” he is simply told that he can just be held indefinitely under administrative detention. Other prisoners who have served their sentence in full are often not released but continue to be incarcerated under administrative detention. The power over Palestinian lives that this device grants to Israeli authorities must be intoxicating, as it is almost unlimited.

To be sure, in typical Israeli fashion, a pseudo-legal procedure does exist, allowing one “to object” to their administrative detention before an Objections Committee. Anyone, however, who attempts to make such an objection will quickly realize it is a sham. This committee hears arguments and evidence in secret and in the absence of both the detainee making the objection as well as his or her attorney. It routinely rejects the objections it receives and “confirms” the decision of the military commanders. The whole process can be seen as a cross between a charade and a kangaroo court.

Khader, who had attempted the “objections” route, realized that going on a hunger strike as a nonviolent tactic was the only route open to him. He had become quite a warrior in this nonviolent battle. He fought several bouts, with lengthy hunger strikes five separate times. In 2012, he went on a hunger strike for 66 days; in 2015 for 56 days; in 2018 for 59 days; and in 2021 for 25 days, before his last strike. At one time, after a lengthy hunger strike, the Israeli authorities relented and promised not to renew his administrative detention so long as he suspended his hunger strike. He did so, and the army released him following the end of his period of detention. He was allowed to go to a Palestinian hospital, where he stayed long enough to gather his strength. Then, they reneged on their promise and issued a new administrative detention order.

When a prisoner goes on hunger strike, he does not wish to die but to live as a free person. He is reclaiming his agency and humanity, willing to pay a heavy price for his beliefs. When Khader’s health declined, he refused to accept medical attention in an Israeli jail until they agreed to a visit by an independent doctor, with a promise not to share his medical information with his jailors. The Israeli authorities refused and sent him back to his prison cell, where he was later found dead.

In his famous, “Man’s Search for Meaning,” psychiatrist Viktor Frankl, who was an inmate of the Nazi concentration camps, wrote that your oppressors can sometimes hold total power over you, but the one thing they cannot control, and which is totally within your power, is how you react to that oppression. Israelis can use all the power at their disposal, but they cannot control how one reacts. Khader Adnan chose to react nonviolently using the tactic of a hunger strike.

In a final, pathetic attempt to assert their power in this matter, the Israel authorities refused to release his body to his family for a decent burial. And, against his express wishes not to have an autopsy, they sent his body to the pathology institute of Abu Kabir.

The least we can do, as we mourn the death of this hero,is to work for an end to the brutal practice of administrative detention he died protesting. The battle after all is a moral and spiritual battle. Israel and its friends should be put to shame and pressured into ending this immoral practice. Even in South Africa under apartheid, such a practice was not permitted. We may not be able in the near future to end all injustice, or resolve all outstanding issues, but at the very least, we should work to end the inhuman practice of indefinite imprisonment without charges or trial.

Hunger strikes are documented in Nonviolence International's database of nonviolent tactics. Hunger strikes that lead to suicide are also discussed in NVI Director Michael Beer's book on Civil Resistance Tactics in the 21st Century which you can download for free.

Jonathan is happy to talk with book groups or congregations about his book, Beyond the Two-State Solution. (Available as a free download or paper copy for purchase online)

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250 Calories Solidarity Fast for Gaza

Nonviolence International is honored to announce our co-sponsorship of the 40 Days and Escalate: Veterans & Allies Fast for Gaza, a worldwide fasting campaign organized by Veterans For Peace, with coordination support from Friends of Sabeel North America (FOSNA). This powerful act of nonviolent resistance aims to draw urgent attention to the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza and to demand immediate action from the U.S. and all governments.

On May 22, we begin our 40 day fasting while demanding: a resumption of humanitarian aid, under UN authority, to Gaza and that the U.S. and other governments stop arming Israel NOW!

Please join the solidarity fast that will take place from May 22nd until June 30th.

A 250-calorie-per-day regimen—mirroring the caloric intake of many Gazans under the ongoing blockade.
Fasting can be done in an individual or in a relay (chain) fast, where groups of individuals commit to fasting in succession to cover the 40-day period.
Do as little as 1 day (even if you can’t recruit a chain replacement) or as many as 40.

A Community Fast at the United Nations in New York City.

Some fasters will reside in community housing near the United Nations headquarters. This group will serve as a public face of the campaign, engaging in daily visibility actions and media outreach.

Escalation Plans

Should the campaign's demands remain unmet by June 30, organizers plan to escalate actions, including:

In-person demonstrations in New York City alongside centralized fasters.
Potential coordinated actions in other places around the world

How to Get Involved

Nonviolence International invites individuals and organizations to join this vital campaign:

Sign Up to Fast: Visit FOSNA's official campaign page for more information and to register your participation.
Become a Co-Sponsor: Organizations can express their support by co-sponsoring the campaign.
Spread the Word: Utilize social media and community networks to raise awareness. All participants are expected to amplify their involvement through social media, community events, and other forms of public engagement.

By standing in solidarity with the people of Gaza through this fast, we reaffirm our commitment to nonviolent action and the pursuit of justice. To gain a further understanding of how your individual fasting can make a difference, read NVI’s booklet on hunger strikes and fasts as types of nonviolent action here.

Rebuilding Syria: Hope and Resilience beyond Sanctions

Hope, Resilience, and Civil Society in Syria

For more than 54 years, Syrians have endured immense hardships brought about by successive dictators: Hafez Al-Assad, followed by his son Bashar. We Syrians have navigated conflict, displacement, and economic uncertainty. Yet amid these challenges, the unwavering spirit of our people has remained unshaken. Syrians have maintained the hope for a normal life - one defined by peace, stability, and civic engagement - and this hope continues to grow.

Embracing Stability and Normalcy

Syrians are engaging in super-human efforts to rebuild communities, infrastructure, and social trust. While there remain significant challenges, families are working to reclaim daily routines, open businesses, and revive local traditions. Small victories - like the reopening of schools, open markets, and artists returning to their craft - are signs of resilience and determination.

A normal life for Syrians means fostering economic recovery, rebuilding infrastructure, ensuring access to education and healthcare, and creating spaces for open dialogue and civil peace. The international community has played a critical role in supporting these initiatives. In many cases, grants from the international community have helped to ensure that Syrians have the tools to rebuild and thrive.

The Impact of Lifting Sanctions

A significant shift in Syria’s path to recovery came yesterday, when U.S. President Donald Trump announced the removal of all U.S. sanctions on Syria. The sanctions, originally imposed due to Syria’s designation as a “State Sponsor of Terrorism” in 1979, had long contributed to economic hardship for ordinary Syrians. The additional imposition of economic sanctions on Bashar Al-Assad’s regime virtually crippled Syria. With the Assad regime’s ouster in December 2024, Syria’s new leadership, under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, has sought to reintegrate the country into the global economy.

President Trump’s decision to lift sanctions was framed as an opportunity for Syria to rebuild and “achieve greatness.” In Syria, celebrations erupted following the announcement. As usual, Syrian humor came to the forefront, with social media posts congratulating fellow Syrians “because now we can use Google Maps and don’t need to ask Damascenes for directions.” We now have a chance to restore financial stability, attract foreign investment, and revitalize industries that have been crippled by years of restrictions, not to mention regime corruption.

Syria’s Designation as a Sponsor of Terrorism

Despite the lifting of sanctions, Syria remains on the U.S. list of State Sponsors of Terrorism. This designation has historically led to restrictions on foreign aid, arms sales, and economic transactions. The ousted Assad regime’s long-standing ties to militant groups, including Hezbollah and various regional factions, contributed to Syria’s continued presence on the list. The new Syrian government under President Ahmad al-Sharaa has made efforts to distance itself from past affiliations, seeking international legitimacy and cooperation.

The Power of Nonviolence

Nonviolent resistance and civic engagement have long been powerful forces in shaping Syria’s future. From the beginning of the revolution in 2011, activists advocated for nonviolence as a means of effecting change. Local activists, journalists, and educators remain committed to fostering dialogue, advocating for human rights, and strengthening civil society. Across Syrian communities, grassroots movements emphasize reconciliation, justice, and unity over division.

Our dedication to nonviolence is evident in our efforts to rebuild trust among communities, support vulnerable populations, and create new opportunities for collaboration. As expatriates and residents in Syria, we are creating peacebuilding initiatives, cultural exchanges, and youth programs to drive constructive engagement and enable our fellow Syrians to forge a path forward while avoiding armed conflict.

The Role of Civil Society

Civil society organizations in Syria continue to play a critical role in addressing social and economic challenges. From humanitarian aid groups to local development initiatives, these organizations offer essential services while fostering a sense of community. Syrians engaging in civil society activities are shaping governance, promoting inclusivity, and amplifying the voices of their constituencies. International partnerships that support Syrian civil society empower communities to take charge of their own futures. Advocacy for democratic institutions, transparency, and social justice remains a pillar in Syria’s journey toward stability. As more Syrians participate in civic life, the country moves closer to a future built on cooperation and mutual respect.

Looking Ahead

Despite the challenges, Syrians have demonstrated incredible resilience, refusing to allow past difficulties to dictate their future. Hope is not merely an abstract concept - it is reflected in the everyday actions of those rebuilding their lives, seeking education, supporting their neighbors, and advocating for justice.

With the lifting of sanctions, Syria has a renewed opportunity to stabilize its economy, strengthen civil society, and regain international legitimacy. Syrians now feel that they can look forward to a future where security, opportunity, and peace define their daily lives. With unwavering determination, they continue to shape a better tomorrow - one step at a time.

Gaza Freedom Flotilla Boat Bombed Today

A Nonviolent Pope!

The Nonviolent Pope!

When Francis became Pope — the first from Latin America, the first Jesuit, the first to take the name Francis — it felt like a dove had landed on the roof of the Sistine Chapel. From his first appearance on the balcony in St. Peter's Square, asking for the people's blessing before giving his own, something had changed.

Throughout his papacy, Francis stood firm in his advocacy for Palestinian rights and dignity. In moments when the world turned away, he spoke boldly about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank. He made historic visits to Palestinian territories, praying at the separation wall and calling for a two-state solution built on justice and mutual respect. "Peace comes through dialogue, not walls," he declared, challenging both political powers and his own flock to see beyond geopolitical interests to the human faces of suffering.

He never let his title eclipse his purpose. He spoke truth to power — but also to his own Church, challenging its rigidity, calling it to remember the Gospel's radical tenderness. He reminded the institution to open its doors not just to the familiar, but to the forgotten.

Revolutionary Stance on Nuclear Weapons

Perhaps one of his most prophetic positions was his unequivocal declaration that the mere possession of nuclear weapons is morally unacceptable. In a historic 2017 address, Francis departed from decades of Catholic teaching that had tolerated nuclear deterrence, stating: "Weapons that result in the destruction of the human race are not only immoral but must also be considered an affront to humanity." This wasn't mere rhetoric; he instructed Vatican diplomats to sign and ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, making the Holy See one of the first states to join the agreement.

His stance challenged not only the world's nuclear powers but also the Catholic faithful in those nations, asking them to consider whether security built on mutual threat truly reflected Gospel values.

He did not lead with dominance, but with discernment. He was humble, but never weak. Courageous, but never cruel. Intelligent, but never arrogant. And through that rare blend of virtues and a dramatic shift in the church’s outlook, he rekindled something the world was close to forgetting: the moral imagination.

Nonviolence at the Heart of Catholic Teaching

One of Francis's most transformative contributions was his effort to mainstream nonviolence into Catholic doctrine. Building on the 2017 World Day of Peace message, "Nonviolence: A Style of Politics for Peace," he worked tirelessly to move the Church away from its historical just war tradition toward embracing nonviolence as a core principle.

"To be true followers of Jesus today includes embracing his teaching about nonviolence," he wrote, establishing a commission to reexamine Church teaching on violence. Under his guidance, the Vatican hosted unprecedented conferences on nonviolence, bringing together theologians, peace activists, and victims of conflict to articulate a new Catholic understanding of conflict resolution through peaceful means.

This wasn't merely academic; Francis implemented these principles in Vatican diplomacy, offering mediation in global conflicts and using the Church's moral authority to advocate for peaceful solutions when military intervention seemed inevitable.

Has there ever been a more humble leader?

Francis reminded us that humility without courage is cowardice, and courage without wisdom is recklessness. That real leadership begins where ego ends.

He reminded the Church that its mission is not to control, but to liberate. Not to wound, but to heal. Not to sit in judgment, but to walk in mercy.

He made the world believe in miracles again. Not lightning-bolt miracles, but quiet, persistent ones: a word of forgiveness. A public embrace. A softened heart. A table with room for everyone.

His death leaves a hollow space — not just in Rome, but in the lives of those who saw in him a reflection of what the Church could be. Not perfect, but present. Not powerful, but prophetic. Not above the people, but among them.

Francis was not chosen in the traditional sense. He was blessed to choose.

To choose love over fear. To choose encounter over ideology. To choose wholeness in a world addicted to fracture.

And so I ask you — as Pope Francis so often did:

Let us not be overcome by anger, suspicion, or division. In times of confusion, we are not called to inflame one another, but to encounter one another. With truth. With mercy. And with a desire for the common good. Pope Francis taught us to build peace, not with slogans or scapegoats, but with real acts of humility, care for the poor, and love for creation.

May we find the courage to embrace nonviolence not as passive acceptance of injustice, but as active resistance through love. May we work toward a world where nuclear weapons are remembered as a dangerous chapter in human history, not a present threat. And may we stand in solidarity with all who suffer under occupation and injustice, remembering Francis's constant refrain that peace is built on justice.

May we all find the courage to listen more than accuse, to serve more than condemn, and to heal more than wound. May God bless you — and guide us all.

Hunger Strikes and "Administrative" Detention