Concerns over the fate of Shaikh Raed Salah

Concerns are growing over the fate of Shaikh Raed Salah who was wounded early on during the Israeli attack on the aid convoy ships. Initial reports suggested that he had a serious head wound and had to undergo emergency surgery. Since then there has been a news blackout over his condition.

Sheikh Raed Salah is one of the most prominent Palestinian leaders living in Israel. Born in 1958 in the town of Umm al-Fahm, he rose to prominence when he was elected to be mayor of his home town with more than 70% of the votes. He is an internationally well-known and respected figure, regarded not only for his dedication to the cause of the Palestinian people but also for his very modest lifestyle. Although as a “1948 Palestinian” he holds an Israeli passport, he is a staunch critic of Israeli’s discriminatory policies against the Palestinians Arabs in Israel and in the occupied Palestinian territories.

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His opposition to Israel’s policies has led to him being arrested on a number of occasions. In 2000 he was shot in the head by Israeli soldiers in what many believe was a deliberate assassination attempt. Following his recovery, he continued to be a fervent campaigner, particularly for the rights of the occupied city of Jerusalem and its inhabitants. It was a typical gesture by this very modest and caring man that he was on a ship carrying humanitarian aid to his fellow Palestinians besieged in Gaza.

Palestinians in the diaspora are waiting for the latest medical bulletin about Shaikh Raed Salah.