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Testimonials

Assalamu Alaikum Terry,

My name is Shabana Admani... I attended your presentation at Cal Poly Pomona. I must say that I still cannot stop thinking about what you said.

Many of us young Muslim Americans are really just searching for the light in Islam. This is the age where we are so exposed to drugs, alcohol, sex, etc., and sometimes we may find ourselves drifting from the religion. I was extremely touched by your story, and I find myself telling everyone I know about it. I thought it was so beautiful that you were drawn to Islam by watching the devotion of the alleged "terrorists." Most people would have been drawn away from the religion, or even be put in the position to hate it. Sometimes we ourselves forget about the beauty of Islam, and you helped me to remember it.

Your story is important because it proves that these prisoners really are just good people who are devoted to Allah. They are real, loving, breathing people like you and me. Even through all the hardships they were facing, they still remained happy and loyal to Allah. They saw it all as a test. We can learn from them and not take for granted all the special things we have in our lives. I thought it was interesting that you were able to look pass all the propaganda, and take the time to know and learn about the prisoners you were working with. I was also shocked to hear about the U.S treatment of the prisoners. I didn't know the torturing was at the extreme that you described. Maybe our country isn't so perfect after all.

Overall, I was moved by your presentation. Your laid-back style of speaking allowed for a more comfortable atmosphere. We were able to relate to you and easily ask you questions. I wanted to thank you for coming out to our campus and sharing your story with us. I know I was not the only one who was impacted by it. For several days after, everyone kept talking about it. We definitely hope to see you again soon, and want you to know that you are always welcome at Cal Poly Pomona.

Thanks,

Shabana Admani

Terry Holdbrooks’s story was very powerful and inspiring to me. I loved that in his situation he had the strength to think for himself and not be manipulated by propaganda. It was inspirational to hear him talk about how decently he treated the Guantanamo detainees even though most everyone else did not. I like knowing that not everyone does something because it is what others are doing. Because the majority conforms, it is great to finally hear about someone who does not.

This talk gave me a better understanding of Guantanamo itself. I did not know some of its history, for instance, how long the US has actually had it was rather enlightening. It was also good to differentiate between guards, FBI, and CIA. Before, I did not think to separate the guards from the torture that the detainees endure. Now I know better.

The presentation itself was very lively and fun to be a part of. It was great that Holdbrooks stopped every once in a while to ask for questions before moving on. Jokes here and there definitely kept the mood lighter than such a topic would normally have had. That is to say, the jokes were a good thing, they kept people engaged as well as entertained. Of course after they passed it was back to the seriousness of Guantanamo.

I hope to hear that Holdbrooks continues to share his story with as many people as possible. It is something that everyone should hear. I also look forward to reading a more detailed and longer version of his story.

Haleema Saleh

Salam Alikim,

thank you for sharing your story with us, you honestly inspired me to be a better Muslim :) your attitude was great, the whole presentation was awesome keep doing what your doing.

Nadia

Wa alaikum asalaam brother,

My sister and I are both really grateful to having had a chance to hear your story and to hear about the reality of Guantanamo Bay prisons. We have always known that the military brainwashes the soldiers to believe that Islam is the enemy (just like how the media is censored so that the general American public believes the same--some of the questions my sister and I have been asked about our hijab and life as Muslims are just so farfetched from the reality of Islam it's mindblowing). Also, we've always known that the education system, especially in high school, is in need of a real change. It was really awesome hearing your first hand story as a confirmation. We also were really thankful to hear about the reality that goes on within the Guantanamo Bay prison walls; some of the ridiculousness that the army puts our brothers through is just appalling! It's amazing how they can put so much effort to do research on Islam only to come up with "tactics" for interrogating these innocent men (well most of them are innocent at least) yet they don't make an effort to learn about God! May Allah give those brothers patience and reward them for their hardships, and may Allah help those brainwashed American army members--"protectors" of justice--open their eyes to reality, too.

Anywho, (sorry I kind of rambled on a little) you're presentation and attitude were great :) You're sense of humor added a little touch to your presentation, Masha'Allah. Good job :)

Again, jazak Allahu khairan for coming out to UCRiverside and sharing with us some insightful and enlightening info on your life and Guantanamo Bay; my sister and I both are really happy to have had a chance to listen to you.

Best wishes and a thousand and more salaams from your sisters in Islam,

Najoa and Sara

Wa alaikum assalam brother,

I'm sorry it took me a while to get around to this email. Alrighty so...a testimonial of how your speech or story impacted me...

As I am half white, and half Palestinian and my mother is a white, red-headed, green eyed, freckled non Muslim, and most people would classify me as a strict practicing Muslim, it was honestly quite entertaining to watch you play out the Muslim man dress and the beard and then on stage bust out with your normal, American average white sounding voice (no offense). I think that this element of slight shock to the audience plays into the interest that is maintained throughout the talk. So...keep up the outfit.

I heard your talk at Cal Poly Pomona, and as a political activist as well as someone who is very into Islam, I came to the talk hating Guantanamo Bay and looking for affirmation to my hatred, perhaps a few more horrifying stories to use as evidence for my case, and for an eye witness account of the horrors that partake there. Along with of course how on earth Guantanamo paved your road to Islam.

To be quite blunt with you, which I suppose the army taught you to take, I felt that more emotion and passion came out in your talk after someone asked you about your journey to Islam. Honestly, apart from the sheer awesomeness of having an ex-GTMO guard at my school, what really hit my heart was the story of your journey to Islam. I then envisioned you as a sort of Yusha Evans type person ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8b3wNXEyPA&feature=related ) and thought of how much effect your story did and could have on people if presented from a different perspective. You are in a position of an almost celebrity like fame, and people are drawn to your story because of the magnitude and substance of the topic. I would love to hear you give a talk on something like "From GTMO to Islam" or something of the sort with a less corny title. I think that the story would be very motivational for Muslims, as well as a nice outlet for non-Muslims to hear about Islam.

I would also like to thank you for affirming my solid beliefs that school is crap and there must be some sort of agenda in place to keep people stupid, wasting their time, and limiting achievement and success.

Thanks so much for the opportunity to hear you speak, I look forward to great things from you, am waiting to buy your book, and wish you all the best in this life and the hearafter.

Nadya Aweinat