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American Hiker Who Spent 2 Years In Iranian Prison Pens Book

By Tim Jimenez

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Josh Fattal, one of three American hikers who spent two years in an Iranian prison, spoke and signed copies of his new book in his hometown of Elkins Park earlier this week.

In front of the congregation at Melrose B'nai Israel Emanu-El Josh Fattal spoke about A Sliver of Light: Three Americans Imprisoned in Iran which he wrote with friends Shane Bauer and Sarah Shourd.

"It helped me be able to move on and it helped me to kind of sort of this mix of memories and put them into coherent stories that, at least, people are telling they're compelling."

Fattal says it's a candid look their hiking trip in Iraqi Kurdistan, turning into a walk on the border of Iraq and Iran, and then ending up behind bars. Life in a 10x14 cell, barely eating and through all that keeping the faith.

"Ultimately, this whole ordeal led me here and here I am. It made me confront what it means to be free and alive."

The toughest moment though? He describes the elevator door shutting after his mom Laura visited him in prison, not knowing if he would ever see her again.

 

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