QUICK FACTS
Date of Birth
1878
Jaffa, Palestine.
Place of Birth
Why Featured?
Issa El-Issa was a prominent Palestinian journalist and poet. He co-founded the biweekly newspaper Falastin, a leading voice in Arab and Palestinian nationalism and a critic of Zionism. His work played a significant role in shaping Palestinian identity and defending the Arab Orthodox movement against Greek clerical dominance.
BRIEF BIO
El-Issa was a pioneering journalist and an influential figure in the Palestinian national movement. His newspaper, Falastin, became a symbol of resistance and a platform for advocating Palestinian rights, Arab nationalism, and the struggles of the Orthodox community in Palestine.
LAST UPDATED
DATE
Monday, January 26, 2026
MAJOR MILESTONES
Key dates & turning points
Establishment of Falastin Newspaper (1911): Founded the influential newspaper Falastin, which became central to the Palestinian national movement and Orthodox Christian advocacy. ..See More
Exile and Role in Damascus (World War I): Exiled during WWI, El-Issa became chief of the royal court in Damascus under King Faisal's government and played a role in promoting the Palestinian cause.
Election to Arab Executive Committee (1928): Elected to the 7th Congress of the Arab Executive Committee as a representative of Jaffa.
Joining the National Defense Party: Joined the National Defense Party, opposing Hajj Amin al-Husayni's sympathizers on the Atomic Energy Commission.
Surviving an Assassination Attempt (1936): Survived an assassination attempt, highlighting the contentious and dangerous nature of his work.
CONTRIBUTIONS
What they did, and why it matters
Advocacy for Arab Nationalism: Through his newspaper, El-Issa strongly advocated for Arab nationalism and Palestinian self-determination.
Defense of the Orthodox Community: Actively participated in the struggle for the Arabization of the Orthodox Church against Greek clerical hegemony.
Promotion of Palestinian Cause in Syrian Media: While in Damascus, influenced local newspapers to dedicate significant space to the Palestinian cause.
Opposition to Zionism: Strongly opposed Zionism and Jewish immigration to Palestine, using his journalistic platform to voice these views.
Contributions to Arab Orthodox Renaissance: Played a role in the Arab Orthodox Renaissance, navigating between Ottoman and Arab nationalist ideologies
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Last updated
Jan 26, 2026
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