Yousef Bashir

Yousef Bashir (; born 1989) is a Palestinian-American author and peace activist. Born in the Gaza Strip, Bashir's home was occupied by Israeli soldiers when he was 11, and he was shot by an Israeli soldier when he was 15. He first visited the United States to attend a summer camp hosted by Seeds of Peace, and subsequently returned to further his education. He continues to live and work in the U.S., becoming a citizen in 2019.

He is mostly known for his 2018 memoir, The Words of My Father: Love and Pain in Palestine, and his work as a foreign affairs advisor and lobbyist in Washington, D.C..

Early life Bashir was born in and grew up in the Gaza Strip. His father, Khalil Bashir, was the headmaster of the German school in Gaza. Bashir's parents stressed nonviolence as a form of resistance, and told him that hatred would not lead to peace. Although given the opportunity to leave, the Bashir family was determined to stay, knowing they likely would not be able to return to their property if they left. Because the local hospital did not have the resources to treat him, By the end of his stay, Bashir was able to walk again, and he returned to his family home in Gaza.

In 2014, Bashir expressed interest in becoming a diplomat and returning to Gaza in that role.

Bashir has written for The Forward and has spoken with MSNBC. He has lobbied for Palestinian interests and spoken to pro-Israel organizations, including AIPAC, and to Jewish audiences about his personal experiences and to make the case for peace.

As of 2022, Bashir was Director of Research & Operations for the S. Daniel Abraham Center for Middle East Peace.

Bashir and his wife established the Saif Foundation, which aims to provide support to Palestinian youth in Gaza.

Personal life Bashir became a U.S. citizen in 2019, after applying in 2017. As of 2017, Bashir had not visited Gaza since he left in 2006, out of fear that he would be unable to leave again. Bashir lives in Washington, D.C. and has two children.