Raja Shehadeh’s Efforts to Preserve His Diaries

Raja Shehadeh, a prominent Palestinian writer, has dedicated himself to safeguarding his personal diaries. Known for authoring over 20 books, Shehadeh has chronicled Palestinian life since 1967, capturing events from the start of Israeli occupation of the West Bank. His diaries offer a unique perspective, detailing encounters with global leaders, his work as a human rights lawyer, and his advisory role during peace talks.

With fears that Israeli military actions might destroy these records, Shehadeh engaged in a covert two-year effort to move his archives from Ramallah in the West Bank to Scotland. Now, the University of Edinburgh holds these archives, and the University of Exeter has made thousands of pages available online. Shehadeh discussed these efforts with NPR’s Daniel Estrin, speaking on the significance of his diary writing and archival preservation.

Impact of Diary Writing

Shehadeh began diarizing at 15, a habit that offered him a way to understand and document historical events around him. He saw his commitment as a discipline that helped him grasp his personal experiences and the wider political changes.

For instance, during Israel’s 2002 invasion of Ramallah amid the Palestinian Intifada, his entries conveyed the chaos and isolation he felt. He recorded how bombings interrupted his sleep and shared the emotional toll of being confined to his home. His observations of tanks and deserted city streets helped illustrate the tense atmosphere during that time.

Frustration with Palestinian Leadership

Shehadeh expressed anger in his diaries over the Palestinian leaders’ failure in the 1990s to halt Israeli settlement expansions. Writing allowed him to channel his frustrations constructively. He lamented that the leadership did not prioritize stopping settlements as part of peace agreements.

Documenting Changes in the West Bank

Shehadeh meticulously recorded changes in the West Bank’s geography, roads, and settlements. His walks through the hills served as moments to observe and document the evolving landscape and its implications.

Preserving Archives Amid Danger

The destruction of Palestinian papers since the 1948 Nakba fueled Shehadeh’s concerns for his diaries’ safety. Historical events such as Israeli actions in Beirut in 1982 and Ramallah in 2002 heightened his fears. The 2023 Gaza war pressed him to act decisively to safeguard his archives.

Digitizing his work was the first step, involving meticulous efforts with the University of Edinburgh and Exeter. He then discreetly mailed documents to avoid drawing attention from Israeli authorities.

Unresolved Investigation into His Father’s Death

Shehadeh’s archives also housed materials from his long pursuit for justice regarding his father’s 1985 murder. Israeli police investigations seemed incomplete, as the main suspect was never properly investigated. This lack of closure hung over Shehadeh for four decades.

The process suggested potential protection for the suspect due to his collaboration with Israeli authorities, shielding him from scrutiny.

Reflections on Sumud and Palestinian Existence

Shehadeh’s writings emphasized the importance of “sumud,” or steadfastness. He believed that persevering amidst adversity was essential to resisting Israeli pressures intended to make Palestinian life unlivable. Building institutions and creating work were forms of resistance, reinforcing the Palestinian commitment to their homeland.

Legacy Through Diaries

Shehadeh’s focus remains on educating others through his diaries. He hopes they offer historical insights and foster understanding of the developments in Palestinian life. For Shehadeh, his diaries might ultimately achieve more for human rights and truth than his other writings could.