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Portrait of Bassel Al-Araj

Bassel Al-Araj

Intellectual, Revolutionary, Writer, Activist, Martyr

Born
1984
Born in
Al-Walaja, Palestine
Path
Youth

Why Bassel is here

Bassel Al-Araj was a prominent Palestinian intellectual, writer, and activist who became a symbol of resistance and struggle against Israeli occupation. He was known for his deep commitment to Palestinian liberation and his role in educating and inspiring the Palestinian youth.

Their story

Bassel Al-Araj was a pharmacist by training but became widely known for his activism and intellectual contributions to the Palestinian resistance movement. He was a staunch opponent of the Oslo Accords and the security coordination between the Palestinian Authority and Israel. Al-Araj's legacy continues to inspire Palestinians and international activists advocating for Palestinian rights and self-determination.

Milestones

The moments that shaped Bassel’s path.

  1. Educational Background and Early Activism

    Bassel Al-Araj graduated as a pharmacist but soon devoted himself to studying and publishing detailed experiences of Palestinian revolutionaries. His journey of resistance spanned two decades, encompassing demonstrations, sit-ins, community work, and education.

  2. 2016

    Arrest and Hunger Strike

    Arrested by the Palestinian Authority under security coordination with Israel, he and his comrades were imprisoned and tortured for five months without charge. They were released following a hunger strike in September 2016.

  3. Underground Resistance

    After his release, Al-Araj went underground as his family's home was repeatedly attacked by Israeli occupation forces.

  4. 2017

    Assassination

    He was assassinated by Israeli occupation forces in El-Bireh, Palestine. He resisted until the end, refusing to surrender.

  5. Posthumous Influence

    His assassination sparked demonstrations in Palestinian, Arab, and international cities, uniting people in mourning and resistance. His legacy continues to influence Palestinian and international activists.

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Legacy

What they built, changed and left behind.

  1. Engagement in Palestinian Struggle

    Al-Araj engaged in all aspects of Palestinian struggle, from the boycott movement to armed resistance, embodying the "struggling intellectual”.

  2. Prominent Writer and Thinker

    He was a prominent writer and thinker, actively participating in protest campaigns and boycott movements throughout occupied Palestine.

  3. Educational Contributions

    Al-Araj worked on educating Palestinians about their history and resistance, particularly focusing on neglected topics in mainstream education.

  4. Vision of Palestinian Liberation

    He was a symbol of struggle and resistance for millions of Palestinians, Arabs, and internationalists, advocating for return, liberation, and victory in Palestine.

  5. International Activism

    Al-Araj was involved in boycott campaigns, actions against the apartheid wall, and campaigns against normalization. He also participated in educational presentations and built research institutions.

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Bassel in interviews, talks and coverage.

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