Cry Freedom

At the West Bank, Palestinian locals were occupying themselves with their home routines. That was until the Israeli Defense Force arrived with the police and soldiers tearing down their homes with bulldozers. The morning's sunlight revealed the disaster. Women and children were left on the streets crying.

NHK World Japan journalist, Kaoru Honjo, posted the coverage of Israeli denial of the war crimes. Long time friend Tina Foster got the photos from the raid. Soran Ibrahim's name was on every poster. The Israeli government was branded for the war crimes since the raid. But when Shirin Bakhtiar saw the paper accusing Soran of anti-semitism, she was not happy.

Shirin (to the receptionist): I'd like to know who's responsible for this.

Receptionist: I'm sorry…?

Shirin: Shirin Bakhtiar.

Shirin was granted entrance into Kaoru's office.

Shirin: I've read this paper long enough to know you're not one of the worst. It's so awfully baffling you'd encourage such hypocrisy as opposed to truthful facts.

Kaoru: "Shirin-san" right? I stuck my neck out against Zionist prejudice, as your people call it. Normally, I don't take sides, knowing my history since WWII. But if you think the gun violence by the PLO is going to end the Israeli occupation, you asked the wrong man.

Shirin: "Gun violence"? That's not what Soran Ibrahim is about at all!

Kaoru: Your Ibrahim-san is wanted by the Israeli government. And I'm not about to let the Jewish community be massacred.

Shirin: What the Zionist government is doing is no different than the Holocaust. And you know Soran Ibrahim is being hunted down by the Mossad. He can't come to you. If you're the honest man you claim to be, you should go to him.

Kaoru: Where are you from?

Shirin: Palestine. I was a medical student in Tehran. I know you're nobody's fool, Mr Honjo. But you are uninformed. Soran Ibrahim is one of many people who can save Palestine. He's in Bethlehem, right now.

So Kaoru headed to the Mosque of Omar in Bethlehem. He knocked on the door entrance.

Mosque caretaker: You're Kaoru Honjo?

Kaoru: Hai.

Mosque Caretaker: I'm Soran's wife. Please come in. He's been expecting you. We're grateful you came. An American rabbi donated to our refugee camp. We're trying to build a community center here at the West Bank where the refugees can be safe from harm until the Israeli occupation ends. You'll find Soran outside.

She showed Kaoru the back door, where he saw a boy standing outside under the tree.

Kaoru: You're Soran Ibrahim?

Soran: Hai. You can call me "Setsuna F. Seiei".

Kaoru followed Setsuna into building.

Setsuna: I would've met you in the mosque, but then the Mossad would know of my whereabouts should you contact someone on your phone.

Kaoru: No. I don't take sides. Nor would I intend to turn in an innocent man, assuming you've been inspired by Mahatma Gandhi.

Setsuna: A true liberal. It's very nice of you to come.

Kaoru and Setsuna went to the clinic.

Kaoru: Where did you learn Japanese?

Setsuna: When I was a boy, I lost my parents in Lebanon. The French peacekeepers found me in Tair Filsay. Their Japanese Legionnaire offered to look after me and take me to the refugee camp. As I got older, that's when I learned my family had fled from Palestine to Beirut.

Kaoru (as they arrive at the clinic): So this is the place.

Setsuna: That's right. A clinic for Arabs. Staffed by Arabs. Run by an Arab doctor. Let me show you around. It is a collective idea, we were fortunate to have her.

Kaoru: And the liberal Israeli doctors wouldn't serve your purpose?

Setsuna: When I was a student trying to qualify for the jobs in Israel, I suddenly realized that it wasn't just good jobs that are Zionist. It was their wealth. What the Zionists don't realize is that we've been here for thousands of years, and we Arabs have written history. We've invented coffee, surgical tools, and soap, whatever the West took credit for, they refused to teach real history. Now a world like this is not that hard to believe there's something controversial about our Arab world. We've built our own community.

Kaoru: And the mosques?

Setsuna: Oh, they've been here for centuries long before the exodus. During the Cold War, the Israelis branded us as terrorists when the Israeli olympians were killed at the Munich Olympics village. We hope to build a better future based on non-violence since Nelson Mandela.

Kaoru: And the Israeli government has branded you as a criminal.

Setsuna: And a Japanese editor started accusing me of anti-semitism.

Kaoru: I just knew nothing about Palestinian history until now.

Setsuna: How old are you, Honjo-san?

Kaoru: Forty.

Setsuna: Ah, a Japanese reporter in his 40s. I assume this is your first time in Palestine.

Kaoru: When I saw the map, I learned Palestine was getting smaller every year.

Setsuna: That's very true. How would you like to see how we live?

Later that day, Kaoru returned home in Ashdod to tell his family about his day in Palestine.

Kaoru's wife, Aoi: So, what was he like?

Kaoru: There are refugee camps in Palestine. Setsuna-san spoke of the clinic.

Aoi: Where did they get the money?

Kaoru: The United Nation is sending the charity donation from every country around the world, including our own.

Aoi: This Palestinian has a Japanese name?

Kaoru: Hai. He speaks fluent Japanese. Although his real name is Soran Ibrahim.

Aoi: Setsuna-san hasn't told you about the Palestinian Youth Movement.

Kaoru: Not yet. I did agree to join him at the West Bank so he'd humor me.

Aoi: He's wanted by the Israeli government! How will you contact him from here without tracing the call?

Kaoru: I've no idea. At least I know what town to find him.

Soran headed out of town and met up with Kaoru on the bus. He then showed Kaoru the town.

Setsuna: This place is full of the homeless. People who lost their homes to Israeli occupation. To corporation. People who lost their families when they were gunned down by the IDF.

Kaoru: Is that what Shirin meant when she said those Israeli war crimes were just like the Holocaust?

Setsuna: Hai. Every war crime that was put on paper by Al Jazeera, the Zionist government denied. But if you open your eyes, you see the truth.

After their tour around the war torn town, Setsuna and Kaoru went to the bar.

Kaoru: Had no idea there are bars in a small town.

Setsuna: We do. Not that many people here use their phones here.

Then, the show started. Peter Gabriel was on stage.

Peter Gabriel: This song was written for a brave man. A man who wasn't afraid to speak up for the rights of his people, whatever the cost to himself. For a man who was arrested, tortured, and killed in a jail in South Africa. For Stephen Biko.

Kaoru: What's Steve Biko have to do with this?

Setsuna: Ever heard about the apartheid? Palestine has a similar history with the Zionist government.

After a musical show, Kaoru and Setsuna had a meeting with the Palestinian Youth Movement.

Resident: Ever seen what the IDF does to unarmed civilians, Mr Honjo?

Kaoru: I've known a history of non-violent protests that would explain the authoritarian methods.

Setsuna: We all know Steve Biko. Courtesy of Peter Gabriel. Now let's not judge my friend. He's no Zionist, just a Japanese observing our culture. Come on, drink up.

In fact, Kaoru had been cutting back on liquor and having soda at the bar.

Kaoru: I don't like what the Israelis are doing to your world, but they're still human. All I want is to build a better future and bring peace between Israel and Palestine.

Setsuna: We don't want to loose our land to the Zionists and be forced to flea to your country. I'm going to be me. You can rat me out, but I'm not going to be branded as a terrorist.

Resident: The least you can do, unlike those Zionists, is make us feel welcome in your country. You must remember, though. This is Arab country. And we will fight for our land until the Zionists answer to us. Before the exodus, we had our own history. You know our language.

Kaoru: You fought Kublai Khan in the Battle of Ain Jalut just as my people did in Japan.

Setsuna: Well, what would you call World Wars 1 & 2? (Locals laugh)

Kaoru: You use those words very cleverly. But there's something about Israel that scares me.

Resident: Of course. Because if I'm not mistaken, Japan is forbidden to engage in a war of any kind unless they're attacked.

Setsuna: And your real genius, is that after the war, you Japanese have learned your own lessons since Tojo Hideki.

The next day, Kaoru brought two of the caretakers of the community center to the news room for an interview.

Keitaro Urashima (Kaoru's coworker): Has Setsuna ever been a child soldier?

Kaoru: Can't say he has.

Keitaro: I didn't think so. When the Israeli readers go ranting about the Palestinian Youth Movement…OMG.

Kaoru: Yeah well, what I type on this computer determines what goes on the media.

Keitaro: Sure does.

Kaoru: By the way, Keitaro-san…

Keitaro: Hai?

Kaoru: You like soccer?

Kaoru had a good reason for wanting to invite Keitaro to a soccer game. That was where Soran was going to give his speech.

Local (giving a speech in Arabic): [And sure as hell, the Mossad pays our Bedouin brothers and sisters to kill us, because when we fight amongst ourselves, the Zionists will say, "See? They're not fit to run their own country!" Then they'll continue telling us how to live our lives and where to go. Our land is not for sale! We will not be silenced! Let's not forget, the Zionists killed Shereen Abu Aqleh! We must stick together. As one, we must send the message and let the Zionists know there's no such thing as a free ride and end the occupation and convince them to help rebuild our homeland. (Visitors applaud) And now, we have a surprise for all of you. He's very modest. But I know you'll proudly listen to every word he needs to say. Ladies & gentlemen, Soran Ibrahim! (All applaud again)]

Soran: [This is the biggest gathering I've ever seen. I heard what's been said, and I agree. We are going to change the Holy Land. (Visitors applaud) As angry as we have the right to be, let us remember that we are in the struggle to end the Zionist occupation. If we're going to send the message and encourage the world to help us save Palestine, we have to teach our children non-violence so they don't make the same mistakes we did since the Munich Olympics. (Visitors chatter in agreement) Then, we'll stand up to the Zionists and say we can rebuild the Holy Land worth living in. The Holy Land where Jews and Muslims can live together as equals.]

Everyone cheered. Kaoru was impressed with Setsuna's speech.

Problem was, as one of locals explained, a Bedouin mole contacted the Mossad. And when he did, Soran was caught.

Soran: I don't advocate violence, Alush. But you're making a big mistake.

Alush: Don't tell me how to run things around here, boy. You're on our turf, now. Sadly, you won't be a witness to the trial. You'll be inciting anti-semitism.

Soran: On whose words? Sooner or later, the Bedouins are going to realize, they've sold us out for money and are being used.

Alush: You're a bit of poison, Ibrahim. I'm going to see you put away.

Soran: Not on this testimony.

Soran's Israeli attorney: He has to appear as a witness and the defendant.

Alush: Consider yourself lucky.

Soran: All I want is to be treated equally.

Soran was taken to the Supreme Court of Israel.

Judge Alex Stein: And I quote, "I believe the Holy Land is a world in which Jews & Muslims can live as equals with no war." Were those not your words? What do they mean?

Soran: It means, Your Honor, there's no need for segregation of our Arab community here in Israel. And we, as a Muslim society only, have endured decades of the destruction of our homes.

Israeli Counselor: Are you familiar with those meetings concerning the "Free Palestine" movement?

Soran: That's correct.

Counselor: And you agree Israel is the terrorist?

Soran: Based on the police brutality, shooting unarmed civilians, and those bulldozers, yes. If you continue to destroying our homes, where will we live? This constitutes the words spoken by these men charged here. But the Mossad has not been charged.

Counselor: When you and the Palestinian Youth Movement mention, "Prisoners of War", who are you referring to, precisely?

Soran: The ones who have been physically abused, tortured, and had nothing to do with the bombings during the intifada.

Counselor: And is it not true these men were accomplices with the PLO armed with AKs against Israel?

Soran: The common factor is that these people have selflessly pushed forward in the struggle for Palestine's freedom.

Counselor: And your response to what you say about Israel being the terrorist is joining the PLO?

Soran: That was different. What we seek is to avoid violence.

Counselor: But your own words call for direct confrontation!

Soran: You and I are in confrontation, but I see no violence. (Jury laughs)

Judge Stein: But nowhere in these documents have you said our government has done any good.

Soran: Israel has hardly done any good, Your Honor. That is not worth commenting on. (Jury laughs)

Judge Stein (bangs the gavel): But surely that would inflame anti-semitism?

Soran: Your Honor, we Arabs are not only aware of the hardships in which we've endured since time began, but what the Israeli government is doing to us. We want to stop accepting the hardships and confront it. All we want is to bring hope and build a better future. I think that's what the Palestinian Youth Movement is about.

That night, there were trespassers in the mosque. One Palestinian who was sleeping there could hear them muttering in Hebrew. They were wearing ski masks. They smashed every furniture in the mosque.

The next day, Kaoru saw what had happened. The members of the mosque knew it had to be the Mossad. Soran had left for the clinic where there was no phone signal. Kaoru, hoping to reason with the Israeli government, went to Jerusalem to speak to Minister of Justice, Gideon Sa'ar.

Gideon: Ah, Mr Honjo. You found your way to here. Come in. Would you like a drink?

Kaoru: I'm a sucker for some soda. (Gideon opens the fridge for Kaoru to pick a soda)

Gideon: Now what is it you wanted to see me about?

Kaoru: It's regarding Soran Ibrahim.

Gideon: Ibrahim? Ha! I know all about Soran Ibrahim.

Kaoru: Minister, what I'd like to know is what he's wanted for. The Palestinians have been protesting your government.

Gideon: You think I like warranting Arabs? I'm an army vet! Let me show you something, Mr Honjo. We Israelis came here in 1948. A hundred years before we had computers and Wifi. (Shows the photos on the wall) Look at this. The exodus. Before that, the Holocaust when the Nazis massacred our Jewish families. Every Israeli here in this country that's lived to tell about WWII would show the same. We didn't colonize this country the way the British did. We built it. You think we'd give up Golan Heights? That's what Ibrahim wants. "This is Arab country" he says. What's here was built by Israeli blood and toil as by the Arabs who come begging for jobs. We didn't force them into labor the way Hitler did to us.

Kaoru: They've had little alternative since you took away their land. Wouldn't you say the destruction of their homes had something to do with the success of your country?

Gideon: I know what you're saying. Don't think I'm unaware of the argument. We're not just going to roll over and give it all away.

Kaoru and Gideon went outside for air.

Kaoru: What I wanted to discuss with you is the incident at the mosque. The Mossad have smashed the place.

Gideon: I know, and my police are investigating it.

Kaoru: It was your Mossad agents who did this.

Gideon: What makes you so sure?

Kaoru: We have an eyewitness. Says there were men wearing ski masks and speaking Hebrew.

Gideon: Did he testify?

Kaoru: He was afraid to. But I figured it would be more effective if you took full responsibility of the situation.

Gideon: Well I appreciate your attitude, Mr Honjo. I'll look into it. I want no thugs in my agency.

But the next day, the police came.

Kaoru: May I help you officers?

Israeli Police: You made a complaint to the Ministry of Justice.

Kaoru: It was only prompt. I saw him yesterday.

Officer: You have a witness to the alleged crime?

Kaoru: I explained this to Minister Sa'ar the witness was traumatized by the incident, but he was definitely-

Officer: Should you report a crime, Mr Honjo, the law strictly states you must name the witness.

Kaoru: Look, you don't understand…

Officer: Either name the witness, or you will go to prison.

Kaoru: I don't want to have to go back to Sa'ar and report three hooligans trespassing on my property over an anonymous witness that won't testify after a traumatic incident. Next time, you better have a warrant.

Officer: The law is the law, Mr Honjo.

Kaoru: Well justice is on my side. I'll see you in court. And tell Minister Sa'ar a friend of mine has some sake.

At the West Bank, the Palestinians were playing soccer. Kaoru observed Setsuna as he played.

Kaoru: You make a good coach.

Setsuna: I was taught by the Jordanian Six-Day War vet. Are you alone?

Kaoru: Hai.

Setsuna: How'd you know I was here?

Kaoru: Your wife told me you were coaching the kids. Didn't call her, I just went to the mosque so we wouldn't attract any attention.

Setsuna: I'm grateful you didn't contact her through the phone.

Kaoru: Got my summons today. They're going to prosecute. Six months for withholding the name of the witness. Something tells me I'm bound to be deported.

Setsuna: I don't know, at least you'll be able to tell the world what went wrong.

Kaoru: Well, I have my diplomatic professor from Japan to defend me. He taught me fluent Arabic. Anyway, I'm not going to mention Ali.

Setsuna: I'm afraid Sa'ana means business. They all do.

Soccer player (In Arabic): [Someday, Palestine will be free].

Setsuna: [A lot of us are going to die for nothing if the Zionists refuse to answer for their war crimes.]

Soccer player: [Supposing the Mossad realize that our Bedouin comrades are becoming aware of the bribery?]

Setsuna: [Can't be helped. They'll find our blind spots to make us look bad. Never mind the six months in prison for Syid Honjo.] (Soccer team laughs)

That evening, the Israeli police came to Soran's home.

Israeli officer: We have reason to believe you're in possession of the subversive documents. We have orders to search the premises.

Soran: You have a warrant? (Israeli police shows the paper) Good. Well, bring it to the window so I can see it better.

The police came to the window and showed the paper to Soran.

Soran: Well, it appears to be in order, but I don't think you'll find any papers in my house. As soon as my wife as properly dressed, I'll let you in.

Luckily, the police found nothing.

The next morning, Setsuna came to see Kaoru at his home.

Kaoru: Setsuna-san, what the hell are you doing here?

Setsuna: I want to know more about Ibraha.

Kaoru: Here, in Israel?

Setsuna: Nobody wants a war. I go where I like.

Kaoru (as they enter the study): He's heard about Ibraha.

Aoi: Did you drive yourself here, Setsuna-san?

Setsuna: No, I took a cab.

Kaoru: I put our attorney on it, but they didn't bother telling him anything.

Setsuna: All being well, I'll be going to Tel Aviv in a couple of days. When I come through I'll drop off what I want to write about the arrest. I assume you'll publish it.

Kaoru: I hope you know what you're doing, Setsuna-san.

Setsuna: There's going to be a meeting of Arab students there from Gaza. It's very urgent. They'll be expecting to hear what I need to say.

That evening, Keitaro went to see Kaoru in his office.

Keitaro: What's new?

Kaoru: Ibraha's dead. He lost a son in the Lebanon War of '82. The Israelis claim Ibraha hanged himself in prison. Time we write our own side of the story.

Keitaro: Yokai. (Leaves Kaoru's office)

Kaoru (slams his fist on his desk) Those BASTARDS!

Setsuna called Kaoru and explained the deception.

When Setsuna was on his way to Tel Aviv, he was caught by the police. After a month in prison, he was dead.

Kaoru, Tina, and Setsuna's widow went to the morgue to have a look at the body. They took pictures for evidence on Setsuna's death.

Setsuna's widow: Will you and your wife will join us at the funeral?

Kaoru: Setsuna was the best a friend I could have since I set foot out of Japan.

Setsuna's widow: You are both like brother and sisters.

The next day, Kaoru and his family went to Setsuna's funeral. Setsuna's coffin was carried onto the stage.

Massoud (in Arabic): We are here to mourn for a boy who died for the Holy Land. Soran Ibrahim was a dear friend. But the Zionist government has become like the fascists the Israel talks of. Even today, Soran Ibrahim's funeral in their Zionist arrogance they have turned their backs on thousands who have come to pay homage and revere our brothers and sisters as martyrs. But we are here! I cannot stand the Zionist government, but I welcome Jews and Muslims who have come to mourn for the boy who gave us faith the Holy Land could be. The kind of Holy Land, in which we all live as equals. Towards this day, when the isolation creates hostility becomes the closeness that permits friendship and love. Now, let us join in the song of Palestine which Soran Ibrahim cherished as we do.] (Begins singing the Palestinian hymn) Fidā'ī Fidā'ī Fidā'ī, yā ardī yā arḍal-judūd

The mourners joined in a chorus.

Aoi: Do you know the words, Kaoru-sama?

Kaoru: Hai. "Warrior, warrior, warrior, Oh my land, the land of the ancestors, Warrior, warrior, warrior, Oh my people, people of eternity"

That evening, Aoi couldn't sleep without Kaoru by her side. She and Tina could see the police outside the window. The next morning they saw a graffiti in Hebrew that said "Soran, Jihad HQ". Kaoru, not wanting to let anymore of the truth remain buried, went to the airport. But when he did, he was caught by the Mossad.

Mossad agent: You, Kaoru Honjo, have been placed on the No-Fly list. You are forbidden to show any of these photos to anyone outside Israel. Now, let me see your pockets.

Kaoru raised his arms so the Mossad would check his pockets for his phone. But his phone was nowhere to be found.

Mossad agent: Where's the phone? Where is it?!

Kaoru: I've emailed the backup photos to the UN. You've failed to stop me.

Mossad agent: Well played. You're still on the No-Fly list.

Kaoru: Who will tell the world? You need me to explain to The Hague in my own words what my involvement was here in Israel. The Palestinians blame your government for their misfortunes. They say you've ruined their land!

Mossad agent: We've done no such thing.

Kaoru: You think they'll listen?

Mossad agent: You will tell them the truth!

Kaoru: I will say nothing unless you allow me to speak freely! (Sees the Mossad reaching for his sidearm) You're going to shoot me, with security cameras everywhere? Please do. I'd rather die than become like Tojo. What'll the Holocaust survivors think when they see this?

Mossad agent: You will tell them we did nothing!

Kaoru: You're going to let me go, right now.

So Kaoru returned home. Aoi was surprised to see him.

Aoi: What happed, Kaoru-sama?

Kaoru: I was caught by the Mossad. They put me on the No-Fly list. Looks like we'll have to go to Egypt where they won't find us.

Aoi: What about the kids and the school?

Kaoru: We're better off with the schools in our own country. There's a publisher in New York who wants to have my book published. If we don't find the way, Setsuna will have died for nothing. We'll discuss this when we get to Gaza. Right now, I'd like to focus on what we're doing for Christmas and getting my name off the No-Fly list.

So they fled to Gaza. Christmas came, and there was a package. It had Setsuna's name on it. This made Kaoru wonder if this were to prevent the package from looking suspicious. It appeared none of the Mossad agents had any clue Soran had a Japanese name. So they opened it and discovered there was a message in Arabic saying, "Kaoru Honjo, when you receive this package, there will be an outfit and a water canteen for you. Abdul will be your guide for you to get to the Suez Canal. Safe travels, Shirin. PS In the words of our Christian brothers and sisters, Marry Christmas."

Kaoru put on the outfit that was in the package.

Kaoru: How do I look, Aoi-chan?

Aoi: You look wonderful!

Tina: You look like Lawrence of Arabia.

Kaoru (turning to his wife): Aoi-chan, it may take a week to get to the border. (hands Aoi his phone) When I get to Cairo, I'll call you at the embassy. (To his son) Kira, you and your sisters take care of your mother.

Kaoru gave his wife a farewell kiss and took some papers in a bag, he then left with Abdul and Bedouins on the camels who awaited him, and so began the long trek across the Sinai Desert. Day by day, Kaoru fought through the sandy storm.

On New Years Eve, Aoi and her family watched the 90s Aladdin on Disney+ with Tina to occupy themselves through the ours until midnight. They were in Eilat where the border crossing to Egypt from Israel is allowed.

5:20 A.M. and Kaoru finally made it to the Suez Canal.

Kaoru: Well, guess it's goodbye.

Abdul: When you make a request to be taken off the No-Fly list, tell them about Soran. Salaam.

As Kaoru arrived he showed the Sinai locals his work

Kaoru: I can't wait until tonight. How much further to the bridge?

Local: The Egyptians trust Japanese.

Kaoru: I'm Japanese.

Local (laughing): You're Japanese? You've escaped Zionist authoritarian country! You're going to make it! The Zionists will shit their pants. Sa'ar will shit his pants! Herzog will shit his pants! Bennet will shit his pants! Welcome to Egypt.

So Kaoru was provided with a transportation on a bus across the Suez Bridge to Cairo. At last, Kaoru made it to the Japanese Embassy.

Kaoru (finds the receptionist): Excuse me. I need to see the Ambassador. My name is Kaoru Honjo. I'm the editor of NHK World Japan.

Receptionist (calling the diplomat): There's an editor to see the Ambassador. (To Kaoru) He's in Tokyo right now, but an acting ambassador will see you.

Kaoru: Arigoto.

Kaoru went into the Ambassador's office.

Ambassador (noticing Kaoru's outfit): I had no idea you were observing our culture.

Kaoru: That's a long story. May I use your phone? I need to contact my family.

Ambassador: Would you like some tea?

Kaoru: The Israelis placed me on the No-Fly list. I've come to request Cairo's approval remove my name.

As Kaoru dialed the number, Aoi picked up the phone.

Kaoru: Aoi-chan, I made it.

Aoi: Kaoru-sama, will we see each other in Egypt?

Kaoru: Hai. You should make good time to get to the Suez Canal. And Aoi-chan.

Aoi: Kaoru-sama, I love you.

Kaoru: I love you, too, Aoi-chan. And please hurry.

Tina and the kids were excited.

As Kaoru hung up, the Egyptian diplomat spoke to him.

Diplomat: We've gotten a word from the United Nations. They say those photos were astonishing. We've decided to take your name off the No-Fly list.

Aoi and her family took the cab to the border.

Arab cabbie (noticing Tina's hair): You're American!

Aoi: We're Japanese, actually.

Cabbie (putting on his music): You like this song? It's "Pride" by U2!

Aoi: Eh?

Tina: The greatest Irish rock band!

As they arrived at Cairo International Airport, Kaoru's family were happy to see him.

Kaoru's children: Otōsan!

Kaoru (hugging his kids): Oh, how I missed you. (To Tina and Aoi) Glad you made it. We're going home.

They were given United Nations passport to New York. Kaoru and his family made it to the gate and onboard the plane.

Tina: When we get to New York, we'll take pictures of the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building!

Kaoru looked at his bag with his story safely inside, looking back on the time he learned about the time Shireen Abu Akleh had been killed by the IDF while covering the story. I was in Jefferson Hospital on that day when I heard the saw the news.

Epilogue

Upon arrival to New York, Kaoru had his book published translated in 40 languages. Kaoru and his family returned to their home country, Japan.