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Portrait of Zakaria Zubeidi

Zakaria Zubeidi

Influential resistance leader, prison escapee, and cultural resistance promoter.

Born
1976
Born in
Jenin refugee camp, Palestine
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Why Zakaria is here

Leadership in Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, co-founder of The Freedom Theatre, and mastermind of the Gilboa Prison break.

Their story

Zakaria Zubeidi is a prominent Palestinian figure known for his leadership in the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades and as a co-founder of The Freedom Theatre in Jenin. His involvement in the 2021 Gilboa Prison break, where he and five other Palestinian prisoners escaped, brought him international attention. He was recaptured days after the escape and freed in January 2025 in a prisoner exchange.

In pictures

Milestones

The moments that shaped Zakaria’s path.

  1. 2001

    Involvement in Armed Struggle

    Joined Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades after the deaths of his mother and brother.

  2. 2006

    Founding The Freedom Theatre

    Co-founded the theatre to promote cultural resistance in Palestine.

  3. 2021

    Involvement in Gilboa Prison Break

    Escaped from high-security Gilboa Prison with five other prisoners.

  4. 2021

    Recapture Near Nazareth

    Arrested by Israeli occupation forces after surviving on the run for days.

  5. Incarceration and Cultural Advocacy

    Continues advocacy for cultural resistance and Palestinian rights despite incarceration.

Legacy

What they built, changed and left behind.

  1. Leadership in Palestinian Resistance

    Key figure in the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades during the Second Intifada.

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  2. Promotion of Cultural Resistance

    Played a significant role in establishing The Freedom Theatre.

  3. Community Building

    Engaged in community building and youth education in Jenin.

  4. Planning and Executing Prison Break

    Demonstrated resourcefulness and resilience during the Gilboa Prison escape.

  5. Symbol of Palestinian Struggle

    Became a symbol of resilience and resistance for Palestinians.

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Zakaria in interviews, talks and coverage.

  • 01Leadership in Palestinian Resistance↗

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