Raja Shehadeh’s Mission to Preserve His Diaries

Preserving a Unique Voice

Raja Shehadeh has dedicated himself to safeguarding his diaries. Known as a leading Palestinian author, Shehadeh’s diaries chronicle years of Palestinian history, beginning with Israel’s occupation of the West Bank in 1967. These diaries reveal his personal experiences and give insight into Palestinian life.

Fear for Their Safety

Shehadeh, at 75, feared his diaries could be destroyed amid Israeli military operations. Stored in his garage in Ramallah, his archive faced significant risk. To protect them, Shehadeh participated in a discreet effort to transfer them to Scotland. Digitization followed, making thousands of pages accessible online through the University of Exeter.

Impact of Diary Writing

“It’s a daily effort to understand and document what’s happening around me,” Shehadeh explained. He started diary writing as a teenager. Maintaining this practice helped him navigate through historic periods, allowing a reflective understanding of his experiences.

Accounts from Conflict

Excerpts include vivid observations from 2002 during Israel’s invasion of Ramallah, highlighting a life disturbed by bombs and isolation. Shehadeh’s diaries offer a raw account of events as they unfolded.

Criticism of Peace Accord

Shehadeh’s diaries record his anger toward Palestinian leaders for an inadequate peace accord in the 1990s. His writings from December 1991 express frustration over settlement expansions that the agreement failed to address.

Documenting Changes

Pages reflect the shifting landscapes of the West Bank. Shehadeh’s walks through the hills inspired detailed entries on geographical changes driven by settlements, helping him comprehend the transformations.

Efforts to Secure Archives

Historically, many Palestinian archives faced destruction. Shehadeh’s concern mirrored past events, fueling his effort to secure his diaries from potential threats like military operations, with a strategic move and digitization process.

Quest for Justice

For 40 years, Shehadeh pursued an investigation into his father’s 1985 murder. Despite obtaining police files, his quest remains unresolved due to lack of focus on the main suspect.

Entrenchment Against Occupation

Shehadeh’s diaries demonstrate the perseverance of Palestinians amid occupation. His insistence on ‘sumud’ – steadfastness – suggests a form of resistance ensuring Palestinian presence in their territories.

A Hope for Understanding

Through his diaries, Shehadeh aims for readers to grasp historical development and truths. Serving as more than personal reflections, his writings offer invaluable perspectives on human rights and events in Palestine.