A father seeks to understand why his son is accused of terrorism, as they journey to repair their relationship after breaking each other’s hearts.
In 2014, Zacharia Abdurahman along with other Somali young men were detained in an attempt to board a plane to Syria to support the terrorist group Isis. Zacharia was released because of lack of evidence but was arrested again in April of 2015 after police raided his home, he was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison.
While watching this documentary I was shocked that anyone would be enticed to join a terrorist group. What would provoke a young man to engage in Isis training videos that reveal the most disturbing footage of beheaded humans and senseless murder of innocent people? How could they be interested in such a cult when Islam is said to be about peace? This is the question you ask yourself as you watch this film. His father, Yusuf Abdurahman, asks with you wondering what really happened?
Minnesota is said to have the highest number of Somalis in the United States and is the most targeted group of terrorist recruits. Through conversation from prison, Zacharia explains how he fell prey to being brainwashed into the cult that would have ultimately led him to murder innocent people. He tries to recount being young, trying to integrate into the American culture while struggling to stay true to his own, it became a heavy burden. When he was around 13 his parents began attending different mosques and practicing different versions of Islam, this began to separate the family which led to divorce. Zacharia felt caught in the middle and abandoned by his father, when he left home, needed a place to fit in. While keeping his feelings and new involvement with terrorist material a secret, he isolated himself and over time, was indoctrinated to believe in Muslim loyalty over Somali culture.
Former FBI informant Tony Osman, who was to encourage young Somalis to join Isis, watched Zacharia for years and explained to his father that he was the perfect victim as a recruit. They especially targeted kids who felt injustice was done to them, had family issues and sought camaraderie elsewhere. They provided books, online videos and would meet up in mosques and basketball courts with the other kids. Tony would talk to him like he was just one of the guys making them feel comfortable. Zacharia admitted feeling like Isis offered exclusivity and a revolution from the corrupt people; he felt a part of something.
Through Zacharia’s conversations with his father, we see misunderstanding and anger transform into the mending of a relationship once completely broken. Yusef’s willingness to try and understand the inner struggle of his son that lead up to his arrest is so heartwarming and encouraging. There are many youths out there who are dealing with deep painful issues quietly and seek outlets or cults that are potentially dangerous. When we hear stories of a teen arrested for a heinous crime, we can now have the conversation about what led up to it. This documentary not only educates about the Muslim and Somali cultures but it also highlights what many see as a crime in itself, the attempt to target certain groups and recruit them into terrorism, creating a false idea that terrorism is what they practice in their culture, which is not the truth. This film is so important and there is so much to learn. Definitely a must-see!
“Accept the Call” recently premiered at the 2019 Human Rights Watch Film Festival
