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Portrait of Shireen Abu Akleh

Photo: Al Jazeera Media Network · CC BY-SA 4.0

Shireen Abu Akleh

Pioneering Palestinian-American Journalist, Trailblazer

Born
3 April 1971
Born in
Jerusalem, Palestine
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Why Shireen is here

Abu Akleh was a trailblazer in journalism, becoming one of the first female field reporters in the Arab world and providing extensive coverage of key events Palestinian case. Her work brought international attention to the complexities and human aspects of the conflict, making her a respected figure in journalism.

Their story

Shireen Abu Akleh (1971–2022) was born in Jerusalem and studied journalism in Jordan. From 1997 she reported for Al Jazeera, and over twenty-five years her reports from the occupied territories made her one of the most familiar faces in the Arab world.

She was shot dead by Israeli forces on 11 May 2022 while covering a raid on the Jenin refugee camp, wearing a vest marked PRESS. Israel at first blamed Palestinian gunmen, then said she was likely hit by Israeli fire. Police attacked the mourners carrying her coffin in Jerusalem. She is remembered as an icon of Palestinian journalism.

In pictures

Milestones

The moments that shaped Shireen’s path.

  1. 1987-1993

    Studied Journalism at Yarmouk University

    Pursued journalism during the first Intifada when universities in occupied territories were closed.

  2. 1994

    Co-established Voice of Palestine Radio

    Played a key role in establishing a significant Palestinian radio station.

  3. 1997

    Joined Al Jazeera

    Became a pioneering female field journalist reporting from Jerusalem.

  4. 2000-2021

    Covered Major Conflicts

    Notably reported on the second Intifada and several Israeli offensives on Gaza (2000-2021).

  5. Shireen Abu Akleh was killed on 11 May 2022 by the israeli occupation army while covering an Israeli army agression in Jenin, West Bank. Her funeral on 13 May 2022 was marked by violence, as Israeli security forces opressed the mourners in Jerusalem. Despite this, her casket was carried from a hospital to a church and then to her final resting place at the Mount Zion Protestant Cemetery. The funeral was attended by a large number of mourners and was a significant event, reflecting her impact and legacy for the palestinians...S ee More.

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Legacy

What they built, changed and left behind.

  1. Coverage of Israeli Invasions

    Extensive reporting on Israeli military actions in the West Bank and Gaza.

  2. Reporting on Political Events

    Covered the 2006 war in Lebanon and the 2016 US presidential elections.

  3. Educational Contributions

    Teaching and training future journalists at Bir Zeit University.

  4. Innovative Reporting Techniques

    Notably reported on the Israeli evacuation of settlements in the Gaza Strip in 2006.

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Shireen in interviews, talks and coverage.

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