Khalid Amayreh: A Resonating Legacy of Palestinian Advocacy

The passing of 66-year-old veteran journalist Khalid Amayreh sent shockwaves of deep sorrow and regret throughout the journalist community on Wednesday, July 12, 2023.

Revered as the voice of Palestinians, journalist Khalid dedicated his entire career to amplifying the truth and advocating for the Palestinian cause.

In his remarkable journey as a journalist, Khalid Amayreh fearlessly ventured into conflict zones, penning stories that shed light on the plight of the Palestinian people.

With unyielding determination, he braved dangers and obstacles, ensuring that the world could not turn a blind eye to the injustices faced by his compatriots.

Khalid Amayreh: A Life Dedicated to Palestinians’ Rights

Born on February 9, 1957, in Dura, Hebron, in the Occupied West Bank, Khalid Amayreh’s remarkable journey as a journalist relentlessly pursued justice and the truth. He was educated and knowledgeable, obtaining his bachelor’s in journalism from the University of Oklahoma in the United States. And later on, his master’s in Political Science from Southern Illinois University. 

These accomplishments helped him hone his abilities and establish himself as a dominant figure in the journalism industry.

Khalid’s goal was always clear: to counter Zionist propaganda by distributing factual and reliable information through his works in both Arabic and English.

Each and every word he penned was infused with his persistence, courage, and enthusiasm for the Palestinian cause.

Khalid Amayreh encountered difficulties at every turn throughout his illustrious career. But he never wavered because he believed that journalism was more than simply a profession. For him, it was a mission.

His work stirred debate and promoted dialogue. And most importantly, it bought much-needed attention to the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Khalid Amayreh’s Journalism Career 

Khalid Amayreh’s impactful career spanned various reputable media outlets, where his dedication to truth and justice shone through in every word he penned.

Among the media organizations he worked with were:

• The al-Ahram weekly newspaper
• The well-known Arab monarchy media Al-Jazeera Net in English
• England Times Palestine,
• The famous Israeli–Palestinian conflict-focused NGO – Middle East Monitor (MEMO) and Mondoweiss. 

Through these platforms, Khalid’s voice resonated globally, offering insightful perspectives on critical geopolitical issues. He penned the Ukraine-Russia war, and regional politics focused on Iran. In particular, however, his articles focused on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Globally, he was known as a veteran Palestinian journalist who worked for foreign media and addressed the globe in English.

Beyond his work as a journalist, Khalid Amayreh was also a prolific author, enriching the world with his written contributions. “Refutation of Western Myths and Misconceptions about Islam and the Palestinian Question” in Arabic, published in 1988, is one of his famously authored books. Additionally, he translated a voluminous book titled “Atlas of Palestinian Rural Heritage” into English. 

Fluent in Arabic, English, Hebrew, and Farsi, Khalid’s multilingual abilities allowed him to bridge cultural gaps and communicate the Palestinian narrative to diverse audiences worldwide.

The Price of Voicing Palestinian Stories

Khalid Amayreh’s unwavering commitment to journalism came with a high price. Throughout his career, he faced numerous challenges and restrictions due to his fearless reporting.

The Israeli occupation authorities imposed a ban on his travel outside of Palestine for many years. All in an attempt to stifle his efforts to expose the crimes committed under their rule.

Nevertheless, Mr. Khalid continued to shed light on the realities faced by Palestinians. Because he was determined to bring their plight to the attention of the world.

In January 2009, Khalid Amayreh found himself facing a grave ordeal when the Palestinian Authority (PA) arrested him. There, he was subjected to harsh interrogation and imprisonment in a blacked-out room for two days.

The accusation was suspicion of affiliation with Hamas. However, the arrest backfired, as it triggered a mass outcry and protest in response to the blatant infringement on press freedom and human rights. The public’s demand for justice prevailed, leading to his eventual release.

Khalid Amayreh, “Your Words Will Never Die.” 

Mr. Khalid’s passing leaves a void that will be challenging to fill.

But, with his fearless articles, he has motivated future generations of journalists to carry on his legacy and fight for a free Palestine.

He will be remembered as a significant contributor to the idea that ethical, moral, and principled reporting can contribute to creating a more informed and compassionate society.

As colleagues, friends, and admirers mourn the loss of this legendary journalist, we are also proud of his indomitable spirit and the immeasurable contributions he made to journalism and the Palestinian cause.

Khalid Amayreh’s words will forever echo in the hearts of those he touched. Resonating with the yearning for a just and peaceful resolution to the longstanding conflict in the region.

In memory of Khalid Amayreh, the voice of Palestinians, Mzemo pays tribute to the Veteran journalist. And we will remember his contribution and guidance towards Mzemo for a lifetime. 

His legacy will forever endure, and we will cherish each moment, conversation, direction given, and exchange between us.

Mr. Khalid’s incredible work will continue to inspire us to embrace the power of the pen, to report with integrity, and to strive for a world where truth and justice prevail. 

Khalid Amayreh’s Contribution to Mzemo

May Khalid Amayreh’s soul rest in eternal peace. We, Mzemo, believe – Your voice may be silenced. But your legacy and your penned words will continue to echo in our hearts forever. 

Thank you for your every contribution, guidance, and direction!