A Child in Palestine: The Cartoons of Naji al-Ali – A Powerful Testament to Palestinian Struggle

On July 22, 1987, in London, the life of Naji al-Ali, the most famous cartoonist in the Arabic-speaking world, was violently cut short. As he walked towards the offices of the Arabic newspaper al-Qabas, a lone gunman shot him in the throat. Al-Ali succumbed to his injuries five weeks later, on August 29. His assassination remains unsolved, with blame cast on various groups, including the PLO and Mossad, both of which were antagonistic towards his work. His death, however, has not silenced his voice, immortalized through his art, which continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.

Al-Ali’s legacy is perhaps best embodied by his creation, Handala—a spiky-haired, barefoot child who has become a symbol of Palestinian resistance. If you’ve attended a pro-Palestine demonstration, you’ve likely seen Handala, a figure that often appears on posters and protest signs. In places like Dearborn, Detroit, and Hamtramck, Handala has become a recurring figure at demonstrations, a testament to al-Ali’s enduring influence.

Verso Books’ reprint of A Child in Palestine: The Cartoons of Naji al-Ali introduces this iconic character and the powerful story behind him to a new generation. Born near the Galilee and displaced during the Nakba, al-Ali’s life was marked by exile. His family settled in a Lebanese refugee camp, and in the 1960s, he moved to Kuwait. It was there, in 1969, that Handala was born—a stand-in for all the children of the Nakba. Described by al-Ali as “not a fat, happy, relaxed or pampered child,” Handala represents the struggles and resilience of Palestinian refugees.

The book features an introduction by Joe Sacco, a renowned cartoonist known for his works on Palestine. Sacco reflects on al-Ali’s influence, noting that when he began his own comics journalism, he was initially concerned that Palestinians might not understand his work. However, he was reassured by the fact that Palestinians were already familiar with the power of cartoons, thanks to al-Ali. Sacco’s introduction provides valuable context for understanding the evolution of al-Ali’s work, especially how Handala became more active post-Israel’s invasion of Lebanon in 1982.

• A Child in Palestine* curates 100 of al-Ali’s approximately 40,000 cartoons, organized into themes such as Palestine, Human Rights, U.S. Dominance, Oil and Arab Collusion, The Peace Process, and Resistance. Each theme is introduced by Dr. Abdul Hadi Ayyad, with text captions accompanying each cartoon to provide background information. However, some captions can be overly descriptive, risking redundancy. For example, a caption explaining a cartoon of a crucified Jesus kicking an Israeli soldier as “Christ, the symbol of endless suffering, strikes back against the Israeli occupier” may be unnecessary for most readers.

Despite these minor critiques, the book’s strength lies in its unwavering perspective. Al-Ali was a staunch critic of the state of Israel and the Arab regimes complicit in Palestinian oppression. His cartoons were not meant to be “balanced” but rather to convey the harsh realities faced by Palestinians. As al-Ali once said, “What is important is drawing situations and realities, not drawing leaders.”

• A Child in Palestine* also highlights al-Ali’s willingness to critique all forms of oppression, including religious fundamentalism and the suppression of women. However, it was likely his criticism of Yasser Arafat’s PLO that led to his assassination. Al-Ali received numerous death threats throughout his career, and just months before his death, he was warned by an Arafat associate to “correct” his attitude.

Al-Ali’s mission was clear: to assert the humanity of Palestinians and their right to freedom. The book concludes with a powerful image of a hand, clenching a Palestinian flag, bursting through the rocky ground—Handala raises his hands in celebration. This final cartoon captures the spirit of persistence and steadfastness that continues to inspire those who carry Handala’s image in protests today.

By bringing the life and work of Naji al-Ali to a wider audience, Verso Books has performed a vital service. * A Child in Palestine* is not just a collection of cartoons; it is a testament to the enduring struggle for Palestinian rights and a reminder of the power of art to challenge oppression.