Staring intently into space, Maarouf appears to fight back tears. What can I say, what can I say, he is my oldest son and my heart is broken. Families cling to anything that might give them the slightest hope that their missing loved one is alive. When a picture of an Israeli prison published in a German newspaper found its way to Lebanon, all families thought that they recognized a son or husband among the prisoners. If they do not have something palpable in their hands, if there is no cemetery they can visit, no grave under which they can be sure that their son is buried, they will not accept the idea that he is dead even if he was kidnapped in circumstances that leave no doubt.
Families say that they are entitled to know the truth.
And the decision to forgive the criminal should be ours, not that of the general amnesty. You may republish any CNS story free of charge, but we ask that you quickly register with us so the respective authors may know how their work is being used. Broadway, New York, NY 10027.