Mohammad BakriPalestinian actor and director recognized for his role in the Oscar-nominated film «Beyond the Walls» (1984) and the series «Homeland», died at 72.
His death occurred last Wednesday December 24 due to heart and lung complications, as detailed by his family in a statement and reported AP.
In dialogue with the Arabic news site Al-Jarmaqhis cousin, Rafic, described him as a tireless defender of the Palestinian cause who used art as a tool of expression and support for his people.
“I am sure that Abu Saleh – as Bakr was nicknamed – will remain in the memory of the Palestinian people everywhere and of all the people of the free world,” he said.
A career marked by controversy and compromise
Bakri is mainly remembered for directing “Jenin, Jenin” (2003), a documentary that recounts the Israeli military operation in the city of West Bank during the second intifada, also known as the Al-Aqsa Intifada, a major uprising by Palestinians against Israel and its occupation beginning in 2000.
The work, which portrays the destruction and suffering of Palestinian residents, was banned in Israel. In 2022, the Israeli Supreme Court upheld this ban on the grounds that the film defamed soldiers and ordered the filmmaker to pay financial compensation to a military officer.
Bakri is best remembered for directing “Jenin, Jenin” (2003), a documentary chronicling the Israeli military operation in the West Bank city during the second intifada. Photo: AFP/Jamal Aruri Despite the pressures, Bakri maintained a strong voice throughout the decades. During the 80s and 90s, he was a key player in mainstream Israeli cinema, playing characters that humanized Palestinian identity.
His participation in the film “Beyond the walls” was instrumental in breaking stereotypes and allowing a Palestinian to be seen as a hero in Israeli society.
“He broke stereotypes about how Israelis viewed Palestinians, allowing a Palestinian to be considered a hero in Israeli society,” said Raya Morag, a professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem who specializes in film and trauma.
Bakri, who was born in northern Israel and had Israeli citizenshiphe ventured into both cinema and theater. His 1986 monologue, “The Pesooptimist”, based on the work of Emile Habiby, explored the complex emotions of living with a dual Israeli and Palestinian identity.
Recently, the filmmaker participated in the 2025 film “All that’s left of you”, a family drama in which he acted with his children, Adam y Saleh Bakriand which was shortlisted for the Academy Awards for best international feature film.
Throughout his life, Bakri faced criticism from both sides: in Palestinian society for his cooperation with Israeli institutions, and in Israel for his political stances and artistic denunciations.
“He was a very brave person, and he was brave in staying true to his ideals, choosing not to be conformist in any way, and paying the price in both societies,” Morag said.
