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Hiker's family hid Israeli link during captivity

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Fattal, Bauer and Shourd
Josh Fattal (L) and Shane Bauer (C), two American hikers released after spending more than two years imprisoned in Iran, walk into a press-filled conference room at the Parker Meridien New York, followed by Sarah Shourd (R), on September 25, 2011 in New York City. Fattal, Bauer, and Shourd were charged with trespassing and espionage, after allegedly crossing the border between Iraq and Iran on a hiking trip.
Photo by Michael Nagle/Getty Images

By KATHY MATHESON
Associated Press

ELKINS PARK, Pa. - For the 26 months that Josh Fattal was held captive in Iran, his mother and brother were ever-present voices calling for his release.

But his father, Jacob Fattal, never said a word.

It's now clear why: The family feared their Jewish faith - and Jacob Fattal's ties to Israel - would make things worse for Josh. Iran's leaders have taken a hard line against Israel.

Jacob Fattal is an Iraqi-born Jew who lived in Israel before moving to the U.S. and raising a family. Josh and two friends were imprisoned by Iranian authorities in 2009 after the three Americans say they accidentally crossed into the country while hiking.

All three hikers are now free and back on U.S. soil.

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Fattal, Bauer and Shourd
Josh Fattal (L) and Shane Bauer (C), two American hikers released after spending more than two years imprisoned in Iran, walk into a press-filled conference room at the Parker Meridien New York, followed by Sarah Shourd (R), on September 25, 2011 in New York City. Fattal, Bauer, and Shourd were charged with trespassing and espionage, after allegedly crossing the border between Iraq and Iran on a hiking trip.
Photo by Michael Nagle/Getty Images