Freed Israeli from Iraqi Kurdistan Prison Recounts Years of Fear

Benjamin Ben Hassin, an Israeli with Canadian citizenship held for 11 years in an Iraqi Kurdistan prison, described his harrowing experience, fearing for his life multiple times, particularly after some inmates discovered he was Jewish. "There are terrorists there. I feared for my life perhaps hundreds of times, and those who knew I was Jewish caused me problems," Hassin stated in an interview with "Yedioth Ahronoth" and Ynet. His fears intensified following the October 7th attacks, and a requested transfer to another facility did not improve his situation.

The 31-year-old now deeply regrets his decision to travel to Kurdistan, admitting he often thought he would not survive. A significant hardship was the inability to obtain kosher food. Upon his expected return to Israel, Hassin plans to visit the "Ash Hatorah" yeshiva near the Western Wall to recite the blessing of thanksgiving and intends to study there.

His lawyer, Alan Lawi, who volunteered to assist in the release efforts, revealed that the operation cost approximately $300,000. This included $200,000 paid to the victim's family as part of a reconciliation agreement that commuted a death sentence. The funds were raised by Orthodox Jews from Monsey, New York, who personally attended the reconciliation ceremony in Kurdistan, surprising local officials. Lawi noted that prison guards treated Hassin well.

Hassin was arrested in June 2015 and accused of murder. He had gone to Kurdistan to visit family and fight alongside the Peshmerga forces against ISIS. According to the account, during a trip, the driver discovered Hassin's Israeli identity and attempted to kill him. Hassin, who was armed, shot the driver in self-defense, and the driver died days later.

The release efforts were facilitated by international lawyer Alan (Avraham) Lawi and a group of activists from the United States, including Hershel Gatdiner, Shimon Ralinitzky, Meir Tzvi Toiber, and Shlomo Landow. Ben expressed gratitude for his release, reciting the "Shehecheyanu" blessing and thanking former senior Ministry of Foreign Affairs official Eyal Siso for his significant assistance. A clarification was also issued by the activists regarding previously published information about his arrest, stating that it was incorrect and based on misinformation.