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Portrait of Wael Zuaiter

Wael Zuaiter

Intellectual and cultural ambassador

Born
2 January 1934
Born in
Nablus, Palestine
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Why Wael is here

Renowned for his contributions to Palestinian culture and literature and his advocacy for Palestinian rights in Italy.

Their story

Wael Zuaiter (1934–1972) was born in Nablus. He settled in Rome, where he worked as a translator and writer, represented the PLO, and was translating One Thousand and One Nights into Italian.

On 16 October 1972 he was shot dead by Mossad agents in the entrance of his Rome apartment building, the first person killed in Israel's campaign after the Munich attack. His friends always maintained he was never linked to Munich, and was killed for being a Palestinian voice in Europe.

Milestones

The moments that shaped Wael’s path.

  1. 1934

    Born in Nablus

    Wael Zuaiter was born into a politically active family, which influenced his later involvement in advocating for Palestinian rights.

  2. 1960s

    Moved to Rome

    Relocated to Italy where he immersed himself in cultural and intellectual circles, making significant connections with Italian intellectuals like Alberto Moravia.

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  3. 1970

    Became PLO Representative in Italy

    Appointed as the representative of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in Italy, where he worked tirelessly to promote Palestinian culture and rights.

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  4. 1970s

    Unfinished translation project

    Worked on a direct Arabic-to-Italian translation of One Thousand and One Nights; it remained unfinished at his death.

  5. 1972

    Assassinated by Mossad

    Killed in Rome by Israeli agents, his death marked a significant moment in the Israeli occupation of Palestine and highlighted the risks faced by Palestinian intellectuals.

Legacy

What they built, changed and left behind.

  1. Cultural Advocacy

    Zuaiter promoted Palestinian culture in Italy, working to educate and inform the Italian public about Palestinian heritage and the impact of the Israeli occupation of Palestine.

  2. Literary Contributions

    His efforts to translate "One Thousand and One Nights" into Italian were part of a broader mission to share Arab literature with the Western world, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.

  3. Community Engagement

    Established a library in Rome to provide Palestinian students and the broader community with access to cultural and educational resources, helping to build a sense of community and support.

  4. Public Speaking and Education

    Regularly spoke to diverse audiences about Palestinian issues, using his platform to raise awareness and advocate for Palestinian rights.

  5. Symbol of Nonviolent Resistance

    Zuaiter’s intellectual and cultural approach to activism served as an example of nonviolent resistance, promoting Palestinian rights through dialogue and education rather than violence.

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