Naji al-Ali


Naji Salim Hussain Al-Ali (c. 1938 – 29 August 1987) was a Palestinian cartoonist known for his political cartoons criticizing Arab regimes and Israel. He created Handala, a symbol of the Palestinian people and their resistance, which became the most famous of Al-Ali's characters.[1]

Naji al-Ali
ناجي العلي
Graffiti portrait of the famous Palestinian cartoonist Naji Al Ali, in Ramallah down town in 2012
Graffiti portrait of the famous Palestinian cartoonist Naji Al Ali, in Ramallah down town in 2012
Bornc. 1938
Al-Shajara, Mandatory Palestine
Died29 August 1987(1987-08-29) (aged 48–49)
London, United Kingdom
Resting placeBrookwood cemetery
OccupationCartoonist
NationalityPalestinian
Period1960–1987
Notable workHandala
SpouseWidad al-Ali

Al-Ali was a famous cartoonist in the Arab world, drawing over 40,000 cartoons that reflected public opinions on Palestinian and Arab politics. He often criticized political leaders. Tragically (disturbingly), on 22 July 1987, he was shot in the neck outside Al-Qabas (Kuwaiti newspaper) office in London, where he worked. He passed away five weeks later on 29 August 1987, in Charing Cross hospital.[2] He was buried in the Brookwood Islamic cemetery in London.[3]

Naji Al-Ali Media

References

  1. kristel (25 July 2021). "The history behind Handala a cartoon by Naji al Ali". Kristel.
  2. "Naji al-Ali remembered: A Palestinian cartoonist gunned down in London". Middle East Eye. Retrieved 21 September 2023.
  3. Suzan Quitaz (29 August 2017). "Naji al-Ali, Palestine's most beloved artist!". New Arab.

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