In 2015, Benjamin Hassin—a Canadian-Israeli—was arrested in Iraq and endured a tumultuous decade in prison. Recently released, he shares his harrowing journey and the unwavering support from those who stood by him throughout his ordeal. His return to Israel marks a new chapter in his life after years of uncertainty.
From Imprisonment to Liberation
Hassin’s saga began when he visited Iraq to see his paternal grandparents. Shortly before his planned departure to Australia, he found himself in a dangerous situation that led him to join Kurdish forces fighting against ISIS. While acting in self-defense during an altercation with a taxi driver, Hassin shot the driver, who later succumbed to his injuries. This incident resulted in his arrest, followed by more than a decade spent in Iraqi prisons, culminating in a death sentence that loomed over him.
After several years of waiting without hope of a resolution, his sentence was annulled due to an agreement facilitated by monetary compensation to the victim’s family. Surprisingly, he remained in custody, facing the uncertainty of his future while grappling with the psychological impact of his situation. Hassin described the conditions of his confinement as brutal, involving significant physical and emotional abuse. Even during sporadic communication with family and friends, he found it necessary to shield them from the grim reality of his circumstances.
A Journey of Hope and Despair
For the first several years, Hassin lived in constant fear and avoided sleeping at night. Instead, he occupied himself by reading and watching television, clinging to the hope that he might one day regain his freedom. However, receiving the death penalty shifted his mindset drastically. He stopped contacting family, resigned to the notion that he might never escape the prison walls that had confined him for so long.
Despite the grim outlook, a turning point occurred when Hassin learned that his death sentence had been commuted to a lengthy prison term. This new development opened a window of hope after years of despair. Nevertheless, a judge’s refusal to grant him parole plunged him back into hopelessness, leading him to believe he would never be freed.
On September 16, 2026, an unexpected phone call from his lawyer changed everything; he was finally released, transitioning from a bleak life in prison to the warmth of a five-star hotel in Iraq, a surreal experience that felt almost surreal after years of confinement.
Rebuilding a Life in Israel
Hassin arrived in Israel just in time for Rosh Hashanah, and was welcomed with open arms at Ben-Gurion Airport. The emotional reunion with family after years apart brought tears of relief and joy. He is now studying at the Aish Hatorah Yeshiva in Jerusalem, a path he envisioned even before his imprisonment. Hassin cherishes the supportive environment, emphasizing the quality of education and the kindness he receives.
Adapting to normalcy will take time, yet he approaches it positively. He frequently visits family and enjoys the simple pleasures he longed for while in custody—like spending time at the beach or enjoying ice cream. Hassin feels grateful for the support he received, highlighting the community’s efforts in raising funds and advocating for his freedom.
While still processing the transition from incarceration to liberty, he is committed to sharing his story as a way of honoring those who helped him. Hassin dreams of giving back to others in need, reaffirming the human capacity for empathy and resilience, fueled by the hope that he can inspire others who may find themselves in similarly dire circumstances.