South Pacific Anglicans are joining with Palestinian Christian communities and the Nasir family to celebrate the release of their daughter Layan Nasir who has been released from a months-long detention in Israel's Damon prison, her third such imprisonment in five years.

Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem, the Most Rev Hosam Naoum shared a photograph of Layan Nasir arriving in Birzeit on 15 May, delighting at the joyful news of her release.

Undersecretary to the Jerusalem Heads of Churches, the Rev Don Binder reported that Layan Nasir was released from Israel's Damon Prison and returned to her family home in Birzeit in the West Bank.

 "[We are] giving thanks that this chapter of their years-long nightmare is over, while praying that they and other families like them can now be finally left to lead their lives in peace." said Rev Don.

Israeli authorities first imprisoned Layan in 2021, and then again two years ago. She was released in December 2024, but was then arrested in August last year and sentenced to another six months imprisonment without public trial.

The charges against Layan related to a student welfare organisation she was part of during her time as a student at Birzeit University, which the Israeli authorities have now proscribed. 

Friends of the Holy Land UK reported this week that Layan's release on bail in 2024 was only achieved on appeal. "The Israeli authorities claimed she was a threat to the security of the state, a charge which those who know her say is ludicrous." they said. Layan was working with the YMCA prior to her arrest. 

Layan has had to suffer the trauma of imprisonment in Damon prison outside the Occupied Territories, contrary to article 76 of the fourth Geneva Convention, a situation shared by thousands of Palestinians still suffering in Israel's jails.

Palestinian women prisoners held in Damon Prison have reported being subjected to harsh living conditions there.

Dean of St George's College Jerusalem the Very Rev Richard Sewell joined the welcoming party for Layan's return. 

"It was such a joy to be able to share in the rapturous welcome as Layan returned home to family and friends." he said.

"There is so much more to be said, but for now the mood is only celebration." 

"So we have been praying and hoping focused on this day for a long time." said Richard Sewell.

"We deeply hope that this is the end of her persecution and that she will be left to live her life in peace." 

A number of international Episcopalian and Anglican church leaders have taken up the Nasir family's case to advocate for Layan's innocence, including former Archbishop of Canterbury the Most Rev Justin Welby and Church of England bishops such as the Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Rev Guli Francis-Dehqani who visited the Nasir family during Layan's most recent imprisonment and has prayed for her release daily since then.

Dean Richard Sewell offered his thanks to all who have been praying, advocating and sending encouraging messages over many months and years, which includes many in the Anglican Church of Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia, right from the Archbishops through organisations such as Anglican Missions and Christians for Peace in Palestine and Anglican parishes and whānau around the motu – going back to Layan’s first arrest in 2021.

"Today there is rejoicing on earth and we believe, in heaven!" said Dean Richard Sewell on 15 May.

"But the struggle for so many others still to be freed and to receive justice goes on."