The warzone in Syria and Iraq may not be that far away from Israel, but living under ISIS is another world altogether. Educational sign post showing distance between major locations in the Middle East. Illustrative. By Joshua Spurlock
Living under ISIS rule is a vicious reality—the brutal punishments and harsh living conditions experienced and witnessed by those there can even drive away members who journeyed internationally to join the terror group. That is the harrowing story of an Arab family who left Israel to join ISIS, only to eventually make a treacherous trip back to Israel. The details were revealed when the parents were arrested by Israeli security for joining ISIS, also known as Daesh, according to a press release from the Israel Security Agency (ISA).
ISIS content and videos had influenced the couple, who snuck into Syria and Iraq via Turkey with their three children aged 8-years-old and younger, so as to join the terror group. However, their experience there became a nightmare instead of a zealous dream. “Daesh disseminates mendacious publications designed to construct a distorted image of itself as allowing a good and respectable life under an Islamic regime or, alternatively, of religious and military adventure,” warned the ISA press release. “However, the investigations of Israelis who have returned from Syria and Iraq present a completely opposite picture about the dangers and harsh living conditions under Daesh.”
The ISA said the couple divulged details of living under ISIS rule, including ISIS’ use of “brutal methods of punishment such as the amputation of limbs, lashings and beheadings.” ISIS approved sex trafficking of minority women, while children as young as 8-years-old received military training.
Hunger, housing without water or electricity, exposure to disease, and living in a warzone were among the Arab family’s experience. Eventually, the family decided to risk returning to Israel—a journey that included being shot at by Turkish soldiers and even ISIS fighters.
They were arrested upon their return to Israel after being arrested by the Turks and spending time in a detention camp.
The reason for the Israeli security approach is borne out by the husband’s actions—who not only joined ISIS but received weapons and ISIS ideological training. He eventually guarded ISIS positions and joined raids on the Iraqi Army. Other ISIS terrorists who have left as combat veterans have launched terror attacks in Europe, highlighting their threat.
Yet despite the husband’s support of ISIS and even being wounded in a raid, the experience for his family appears to have been so destructive it was worth risking everything to leave. ISIS claims to be building an Islamic empire, or caliphate. Instead, they are developing the latest home to poverty, disease, and trauma.
(By Joshua Spurlock, www.themideastupdate.com, October 22, 2016)