Ch. 6. Guerrillas and martyrs: the evolution of national ‘‘heroes’’

Introduction to Commemoration of Martyrs

The commemoration of martyrs plays a vital role in the collective consciousness of societies, particularly in contexts of conflict. It varies significantly across different nations, showcasing diverse narratives of suffering and heroism. In the Palestinian experience, such commemorations serve as crucial links between historical struggles and the contemporary identity of Palestinians. They emphasize resilience, sacrifice, and the enduring impact of loss on the community.

Ch. 6. Guerrillas and martyrs: the evolution of national ‘‘heroes’’

The chapter discusses the significance of the commemoration of martyrs, particularly within the Palestinian context, highlighting how such practices shape collective memory and identity. It details the 100 Shaheeds, 100 Lives exhibition held in May 2002, which showcased the first 100 martyrs of the second Intifada through personal belongings and narratives. The exhibition emphasized emotional connections to martyrdom, portraying it as tragic rather than glorified. Various forms of commemoration are explored, including public displays and personal memorials, and the evolving representations of martyrs from heroic figures to innocent victims. It also discusses the societal roles of mothers of martyrs and how institutional practices reinforce collective remembrance. The chapter concludes that the commemoration of martyrs turns individual grief into a shared narrative of resistance, essential to Palestinian identity and history. **

100 Shaheeds, 100 Lives Exhibition

• Date and Location: The 100 Shaheeds, 100 Lives exhibition was held in May 2002 at UNESCO Palace in Beirut, coinciding with the Nakba anniversary, a day of remembrance for Palestinians marking the displacement caused by the establishment of Israel in 1948.

• Content: This memorial exhibition featured a comprehensive display of artifacts, photographs, and narratives that represented the first 100 martyrs of the second Intifada, highlighting individual stories of sacrifice and loss. These items not only tell profound personal stories but also contextualize the overarching plight of the Palestinian people.

• Organizers: The exhibition was organized by the Khalil Sakakini Cultural Centre in Ramallah and the Arab Resource Centre for Popular Arts in Beirut, showcasing collaboration among Palestinian cultural institutions.

• Audience: The event drew a diverse audience, including leftists, Islamists, and Palestinians from various social classes, reflecting the deep societal investment in commemoration and collective memory. It served as a unifying moment for different factions within the Palestinian community.

Emotional Responses

The emotional engagement with the exhibition highlighted a deep connection to the personal belongings of martyrs, transforming ordinary objects into powerful symbols of loss and identity.

• Objects: Items on display included worn personal belongings such as old trousers, boxing gloves, and photographs. These evoke profound feelings of empathy and connection to the lives cut short, differentiating martyrdom from mere death.

• Martyrdom Portrayal: The exhibition portrayed martyrdom as often an unintended victimization rather than a pursuit of death, emphasizing a prevalent theme of tragedy over glorification, inviting viewers to reflect on the stark realities faced by these individuals and their families.

Martyrdom Narratives

Martyrdom in the Palestinian context presents a spectrum that ranges from heroic depictions to the narrative of innocent victimhood.

• Sahakini’s Portrayal: Khalil Sahakini’s narratives emphasize a reluctant understanding of martyrdom, contrasting conventional heroic themes with the sacrifices that individuals made, often against their will, highlighting the complex emotional landscape surrounding these figures.

Forms of Commemoration

Celebratory practices surrounding martyrs take various forms, encompassing both public and private gestures that reinforce communal identity.

• Celebratory Practices: Common forms include funerals marked with political slogans, murals depicting martyrs, and the naming of places or social groups after them.

• Mothers of Martyrs: The portrayal of martyrs’ mothers underscores a societal narrative where these women symbolize pride and resilience against oppression, often becoming public figures and bearers of the martyrs' legacies. An anecdote illustrating this shows a mother encouraging her son to become a martyr, reflecting the heavy societal expectations linked to honor and the concept of heroic sacrifice.

Evolving Archetypes of Martyrs

There has been a noticeable evolution in the archetypes of martyrs, especially after the conflicts of 1982.

• Shift in Representation: The narrative has shifted from glorifying fida’yi (guerilla fighters) to recognizing shaheed (martyrs) with varying definitions influenced by sectarian and ideological views.

• Secular vs Spiritual: This has resulted in divergent representations across factions, showcasing a complex tapestry of beliefs regarding martyrdom that balances both secular and religious interpretations.

Public and Personal Memorials

Public displays and personal memorials serve as mechanisms for collective and individual remembrance.

• Public Displays: Streets and public spaces are often adorned with the photographs of martyrs during demonstrations and public protests, allowing for community solidarity and remembrance in visible and impactful ways.

• Personal Spaces: Many private homes feature photographs of lost family members, blending the personal grief associated with loss into the broader national narrative of resistance and sacrifice.

Tactics of Martyrdom

Social rituals reflect the intersection between grief and honor with significant engagement from the community.

• Funerals and Weddings: Events such as funerals often morph into celebrations of political martyrdom, transforming spaces of sorrow into arenas of resistance and solidarity.

• Collective Rituals: These rituals play an essential role in engaging the community, emphasizing the continuity of resistance and the importance of united remembrance, which fosters social cohesion.

Institutional Commemoration

Official recognition of martyrs is manifested through several institutional practices aimed at honoring their sacrifices.

• Naming Ceremonies: Events such as naming ceremonies and the establishment of Martyrs’ Cemeteries serve to recognize and commemorate the sacrifices made by these individuals.

• Collective Memorials: These memorials act as repositories for communal grief and heroism, fostering a sense of unity among different factions and supporters within the Palestinian community.

Polyvalent Representations

The interpretation of martyrdom encompasses a variety of contexts that resonate with both local and transnational narratives.

• Complex Heritage of Resistance: The representations of heroes vary, ranging from actively engaged fighters to unwilling casualties of violence, illustrating a complex and nuanced heritage of resistance and suffering.

Conclusion: Commemorative Practices

The practice of commemoration serves to transform private loss into a powerful public narrative of resistance, creating a unified identity built upon shared experiences of suffering. As the Palestinian identity continues to evolve, the symbol of martyrdom remains a crucial aspect of collective memory construction, representing both personal grief and a broader historical struggle for rights and recognition.