# Naji al-Ali

> Palestinian Cartoonist (c.1937-1987)

**Wikidata**: [Q3335321](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3335321)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naji_al-Ali)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/naji-al-ali

## Summary
Naji al-Ali was a Palestinian cartoonist and journalist (c.1937–1987) best known for creating *Handala*, a fictional cartoon character that became a prominent national symbol of the Palestinian people. He was recognized with the World Association of Newspapers' Golden Pen of Freedom Award in 1987.

## Biography
- Born: c.1937
- Nationality: Palestinian
- Education: Not specified
- Known for: Creating *Handala*, a national symbol of Palestine
- Employer(s): Not specified
- Field(s): Cartooning, journalism

## Contributions
- **Handala**: Created the fictional cartoon character *Handala* in the late 1950s, which became a symbol of Palestinian resistance and national identity. The character was widely used in Palestinian media and public discourse.

## FAQs
- **What was Naji al-Ali known for?**
  Naji al-Ali is known for creating *Handala*, a fictional cartoon character that symbolized Palestinian resistance and national identity. He was also a journalist and cartoonist.

- **When did Naji al-Ali receive the Golden Pen of Freedom Award?**
  He received the World Association of Newspapers' Golden Pen of Freedom Award in 1987.

- **What was the significance of *Handala*?**
  *Handala* became a prominent national symbol of Palestine, representing resistance and national identity in Palestinian media and public discourse.

## Why They Matter
Naji al-Ali's work with *Handala* had a lasting impact on Palestinian cultural identity, providing a visual representation of resistance and national pride. The character became widely recognized in Palestinian society and media, shaping collective memory and solidarity. His contributions to Palestinian journalism and cartooning helped preserve and promote Palestinian cultural heritage.

## Notable For
- Creator of *Handala*, a national symbol of Palestine
- Recipient of the World Association of Newspapers' Golden Pen of Freedom Award (1987)

## Body
### Early Life and Career
Naji al-Ali was born around 1937. He began his career in cartooning and journalism, creating *Handala* in the late 1950s. The character was designed to represent Palestinian resistance and national identity, becoming a widely recognized symbol in Palestinian media and public discourse.

### Notable Works
- **Handala**: A fictional cartoon character created by Naji al-Ali, *Handala* became a prominent national symbol of Palestine. The character was used in various forms of media, including newspapers and public campaigns, to symbolize resistance and national pride.

### Awards and Recognition
- **Golden Pen of Freedom Award**: Naji al-Ali received the World Association of Newspapers' Golden Pen of Freedom Award in 1987, recognizing his contributions to journalism and freedom of expression.

### Legacy
Naji al-Ali's work with *Handala* had a lasting impact on Palestinian cultural identity, providing a visual representation of resistance and national pride. The character became widely recognized in Palestinian society and media, shaping collective memory and solidarity. His contributions to Palestinian journalism and cartooning helped preserve and promote Palestinian cultural heritage.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. general catalog of BnF
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. Library of Congress Name Authority File
5. SNAC
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. RKDartists
8. [Source](https://cartoons.osu.edu/biographical-files/)
9. IdRef