Ashraf Morad Sa’adi أشرف مراد سعدي
17-years old, from Jenin Refugee Camp.
Design: Lahav Halevy
One year before Ashraf Morad was born, his uncle Ashraf Mohammad Sa’adi was shot and killed. He was a resistance fighter, well-known in the camp. When Ashraf Morad was born, he was named after his uncle, grew up on the tales of his courage and admired him. The environment in which he was raised, the Jenin refugee camp, was another effective factor on his chosen path.
Another uncle, Hilal, says: “Crimes, bullets and raids changed the lives, thinking and reality of our children. Young Ashraf did not experience his childhood as other children in the world do – in freedom, luxury, safety and stability. He knew nothing of life except bullets, siege and raids. He was witness to much death and wounding. He thought only of resistance and martyrdom.”
As a child, he developed tight ties with Amjad Waleed al-Fayed, and together they turned into “guards of the camp” – watching out for the Israeli army’s movements in behalf of the Al Aqsa Martyr Brigade. Together they took part in clashes. On May 21, 2022, Amjad was killed in one of them. Ashraf mourned his friend. He often visited his grave and swore to join him soon. He wrote a will and testament, wishing to be buried by Amjad’s side. Ashraf’s mother says he had a hard time falling asleep, woke up many times during the night and found consolation only in her arms. “When Ashraf exited home in the evening,
I felt my heart burning. I watched him until he vanished and thought I was not sure I’d ever see him again.”
On June 21, Ashraf drove with two other activists of the Al Aqsa Brigade. A drone fired a missile at the vehicle and killed all three. The ground forces prevented ambulances from approaching and their bodies were picked up by the Israeli army. They are buried in… refrigeration. Like dozens of others. The Israeli army claims the three were suspected of opening fire at the Jalamah Checkpoint. “I don’t know whether he could stand alone in the dark. He didn’t like sleeping…” his mother would say.
Ashraf promised Amjad to join him and to be buried by his side. He made good only a part of his vow.
Sources: Al Quds, IMemc, Israel Palestine Timeline
Poster design: Lahav Halevy.