Detained doctor goes on hunger strike in Israel

Family of O.C. man awaits court hearing as he protests allegations that he helped plot terrorist acts.

May 11, 2002

By VIK JOLLY and ANN PEPPER

The Orange County Register



Diplomatic sources Friday told the family of Dr. Riad Abdelkarim that he has begun a hunger strike to protest his detention in Israel, where he had gone on a medical fact-finding tour.

Israeli authorities arrested Abdelkarim, 34, of Orange, on Sunday at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport and accused him of involvement with terrorist acts. He has denied the accusation. No charges have been filed.

"We're more worried now than ever," said Riad's brother, Dr. Basim Abdelkarim, who said the U.S. Consulate in Israel told him of the hunger strike. "It's time for our State Department to start putting pressure on Israel.

"Surely, if they had any evidence against him they would have come out in public with it and they would have charged him. The State Department was aware of Riad's mission beforehand. Just the whole thing is outrageous."

Rep. Christopher Cox, R-Newport Beach, said Friday that he had spoken again with the State Department but had learned nothing new.

"I called Mrs. Abdelkarim. She is quite troubled," Cox said. "I tried to reassure her."

He said he had nothing on which to base his reassurance.

"At this point, we are waiting until a definite step is taken to release him or charge him, and then we'll know how to proceed further. But for now, the reasons for his detention are clouded in fog and mystery."

The family expects the doctor to be released by a court Monday or be further detained or charged.

The Santa Monica- born Abdelkarim was in Israel and Jenin in the occupied territories for the International Medical Corps and the relief group he founded, Kinder USA. He also is a member of the Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development, which President George W. Bush alleged is a front for terrorism. The group has denied the accusation and is appealing action that froze its assets.

A candlelight vigil for Abdelkarim will be held at 7 tonight at Orange City Hall, 300 E. Chapman Ave.