James Foley Letter Home: Message Reveals Grim Conditions In ISIS Captivity

On Aug. 19, U.S. journalist James Foley was gruesomely beheaded by a Syrian terrorist organization known as ISIS. The terrible execution was filmed and uploaded on YouTube. Foley was down on his knees with a masked ISIS militant standing over him. Before Foley was killed, he utters his last words in front of the camera:

“I call on my friends, family, and loved ones to rise up against my real killers: the US government," began Foley. "I call on my brother John, who is a member of the US Air Force … Think about the lives you destroy, including those of your own family… I guess all in all, I wish I wasn’t American.”

The statement that James Foley delivered moments before his death suggested sympathy to ISIS’ cause. Worst of all, James Foley’s final words also blame his brother John, who serves in the Air Force, for his fate.

Unfortunately, during James Foley’s 21 months in captivity, he was not allowed to send letters from his hostage cell. The final words before Foley’s execution would have been the only message that his family would have received from him since his abduction. Thankfully, that is not the case.

25-year-old Danish photojournalist Daniel Rye Ottosen spent 13 months imprisoned and alongside James Foley before he was finally released in June. Upon his release, Ottosen’s first call was to James Foley’s mother, Diane. Ottosen dictated an entire letter by James Foley to her from memory. In this letter, Foley describes his time in captivity as well as his vivid memory of his family and friends that keep him sane.

“Eighteen of us have been held together in one cell, which has helped me. We have had each other to have endless long conversations about movies, trivia, sports,” described Foley. “We have played games made up of scraps found in our cell … we have found ways to play checkers, Chess, and Risk … and have had tournaments of competition, spending some days preparing strategies for the next day’s game or lecture. The games and teaching each other have helped the time pass. They have been a huge help. We repeat stories and laugh to break the tension.”

“I have had weak and strong days. We are so grateful when anyone is freed; but of course, yearn for our own freedom. We try to encourage each other and share strength. We are being fed better now and daily. We have tea, occasional coffee. I have regained most of my weight lost last year.”

Not only did Foley describe that conditions of ISIS captivity, Foley also shared a heartfelt message to every member of his family, including his grandmother.

“Grammy, please take your medicine, take walks and keep dancing. I plan to take you out to Margarita’s when I get home. Stay strong because I am going to need your help to reclaim my life.”

Visit this link to read the complete letter.