In recent days, Hani Hanifa Humanisa (56), mother of Republika\nphotojournalist Thoudy Badai who was kidnapped by Israeli forces during\na peace mission in the eastern Mediterranean international waters,\nendured immense hardship. Although good news emerged that Indonesian\nnationals would return home today (Sunday, 24 May 2026), the mother\npreviously stated she could only rely on one thing: the \u2018sky path\u2019.<\/p>\n
She recalled her final conversation with her son the previous Monday\nbefore the arrest, when Ody (his nickname) reported their ship was safe\nand in international waters, with no indication of danger.<\/p>\n
\u2018He said everything was safe, the ship was moving forward,\u2019 she\nrecalled.<\/p>\n
The situation shifted when news of the arrest spread. The mother said\nshe was shocked and uncertain what to do, feeling powerless as a parent\nwithout direct access to information or means to secure his release.<\/p>\n
\u2018I was confused, not knowing who to turn to or where to report,\u2019 she\nsaid.<\/p>\n
The following days were an emotional rollercoaster. When reports\nsurfaced that all volunteers would be released, hope grew, bringing her\ncalm. However, this tranquillity was shattered upon hearing accounts of\nhow volunteers were treated upon capture, plunging her back into sadness\nand anger.<\/p>\n
\u2018It was a complete rollercoaster \u2014 sad, calm, then upset again,\u2019 she\nsaid.<\/p>\n
Amid uncertainty, the family turned to what she called the \u2018sky path\u2019\n\u2014 prayer, the only option when everything felt beyond control.<\/p>\n
\u2018All we could do was the sky path,\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n
Prayers were offered during both obligatory and voluntary prayers.\nShe also asked extended family, relatives, and visitors to join in\npraying for Ody and other volunteers\u2019 safety.<\/p>\n
The mother expressed gratitude for widespread support, including from\nstrangers, which made her feel less alone.<\/p>\n
\u2018I believe this is one of the prayers answered by Allah,\u2019 she\nsaid.<\/p>\n
The most calming moment came when she could video-call Ody after the\nrelease news. Although brief, seeing his face and hearing his voice\nprovided relief.<\/p>\n
The family is now preparing to welcome Ody home at Soekarno-Hatta\nInternational Airport. She hopes he returns healthy, both physically and\nmentally, after the harrowing experience.<\/p>\n
Beyond anxiety, she feels pride in his composure and faith during the\nordeal.<\/p>\n
\u2018This experience isn\u2019t just about fear and waiting; it\u2019s about\nresilience, solidarity, and the power of prayer when humans have no\nother strength left. He didn\u2019t just think of himself,\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n
She also stressed the importance of continuing the struggle for\nPalestinian freedom.<\/p>\n
\u2018Yes, the movement or campaign for Palestinian liberation must\ncontinue. It must continue until Palestine is truly free. The efforts of\nOdy and his friends must be carried on by others, regardless of who they\nare, within their own capacities,\u2019 she added.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/mothers-heavenly-path-amid-sons-kidnapping-by-israeli-forces-1780354897", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }