Recognition for Palestinian Activist
Issa Amro, a Palestinian activist in the occupied West Bank, was recently awarded the prestigious Right Livelihood Award for his organization, Youth Against Settlements (YAS). The award commends YAS for its unwavering commitment to non-violent resistance against Israel’s illegal occupation and its promotion of peaceful Palestinian civic action.
Amro, the founder of YAS, has been a vocal advocate against the proliferation of Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Despite facing multiple detentions and instances of torture by both Israeli and Palestinian authorities, Amro remains steadfast in his mission. Born in Hebron, where a stark contrast exists between the minority Jewish settlers and the majority Palestinian residents, Amro’s resilience and determination have earned him international recognition.
The Right Livelihood Award, often referred to as the “Alternative Nobel Prize,” was established to honor individuals and organizations overlooked by the traditional Nobel prizes. This year’s winners include Indigenous activist Joan Carling, environmental activist Anabela Lemos from Mozambique, and the UK-based research agency Forensic Architecture. Each recipient has made a significant impact on their communities and the global stage, embodying the spirit of the award’s mission.