Statement from Family of Fadi Fadel, IRC Staff Member Detained in Iraq

I am releasing this statement on behalf of Fadi Fadel. He is my brother and my friend.  He is a man of endless compassion for people in need, especially children.  That's why he felt compelled to go to Iraq three months ago - - to help innocent children who have been exposed to terrible things, and to work for an organization committed to providing relief for those who suffer. He has been doing this kind of work for children for the past 10 years.

My brother is also a proud Canadian. We emigrated here from Syria when Fadi was nineteen years old. 

We know that things are very bad in Iraq right now. And like Fadi we feel for the Iraqi people.  We pray that Fadi’s captors will realize that this brave and gentle man has no other agenda than to help the children of Iraq.

My family is in a state of shock. We are terrified and bewildered that this could have happened to someone who has devoted his life to helping children. 

We desperately urge those who have detained Fadi to release him, safely and quickly.

Ghayas Fadel

For interview of Ghayas Fadel on the Aljazeera Web site, click http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/14E5B13F-7F23-4EFD-BFDF-4C4094E1E094.htm