Mohammad Bakri, a celebrated actor and director, passed away on Wednesday at 72. His family confirmed he had been dealing with heart issues. His funeral took place in al-Bi’neh, his hometown in northern Israel.
His son, Saleh, who also acts, shared the news on Instagram, expressing deep sadness over his father’s death.
Bakri was a notable Palestinian citizen of Israel. He began his artistic journey in the 1980s, shining in both Arabic and Hebrew theater. His first film, *Hanna K.*, was directed by Costa-Gavras, an acclaimed Greek-French filmmaker.
Over the years, Bakri featured in many significant films. One of his notable performances was in *Beyond the Walls* (1984), directed by Uri Barbash. This film highlighted the lives of Palestinian and Israeli prisoners together in an Israeli jail and was nominated for an Academy Award.
Bakri’s life was not without struggle. Barbash remarked on the challenges he faced, including boycotts and isolation. He described Bakri as “a nuclear reactor of emotions,” noting how deeply connected he was to his art.
In addition to acting, Bakri directed the controversial film *Jenin, Jenin* in 2002. The film depicted stories from residents of the Jenin refugee camp during the conflict in the West Bank. It sparked significant backlash in Israel and was banned from screening, with the Supreme Court later upholding the ban despite Bakri’s attempts to challenge it.
Despite facing intense criticism and a “crazy campaign” against him, Bakri remained committed to advocating for Palestinian rights. His identity as a Palestinian shaped much of his work. Israeli director Sinai Peter praised Bakri for his resilience and dedication to peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
Strikingly, Bakri’s solo show, *Bakri’s Monologue*, performed at the al-Kasaba Theatre in Ramallah, showcased texts that explore Palestinian identity. It adapted Emile Habib’s *The Secret Life of Saeed: The Pessoptimist*, a significant piece that humorously reflects on the challenges of being a Palestinian citizen of Israel.
As the world remembers Bakri, his contributions to cinema and theater remain a vital part of Palestinian cultural expression. His journey serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling in shaping identities and bridging divides.
