Islam Wael Burnat

Their life

Islam Wael Burnat was a 16-year-old Palestinian boy from the village of Bil'in, located near Ramallah in the occupied West Bank. Known for his cheerful personality, Islam was loved by those around him. He was always the one to make his friends laugh and bring joy to his community. Islam was an active participant in his village’s protests against Israeli settlement expansion and land confiscation, which have been ongoing for years in Bil'in. He was committed to nonviolent resistance, standing alongside his family in the village’s weekly demonstrations. Islam was particularly close to his grandmother, Intisar Burnat, and was known for his affection and willingness to help with her tasks, such as caring for her sheep and maintaining the garden.

On May 18, 2021, Islam joined a protest in the Abu Laymoon area of Bil'in, where Israeli forces had arrived and confronted demonstrators. During the protest, the Israeli military suddenly opened fire with live ammunition, an action that was unusual compared to their typical use of tear gas and sound bombs. Islam was shot in the head by a live bullet and fell to the ground. Despite the efforts of his friends to carry him to safety, Islam was declared dead by medics less than an hour later. His death, along with his bright future, left his family and friends devastated. Islam had dreams of excelling in school, continuing his education, and one day becoming someone who would make his family proud. His loss was a major blow to the community, particularly to his family, who mourned deeply for a young life taken too soon.

Islam Wael Burnat’s life was tragically cut short on May 18, 2021, when Israeli forces shot and killed him during a protest in his hometown of Bil'in. Islam was the youngest of four children and had earned a reputation as one of the happiest and most vibrant kids in his village. His friends and family described him as someone who always brought laughter and joy to those around him. Islam had a special bond with his paternal grandmother, Intisar, who recalled how he would often help with chores like tending to the sheep and cleaning the house. His affectionate nature made him beloved by everyone who knew him.

Bil'in, a village situated in the West Bank, has been the site of frequent protests against Israeli settlement expansion and land confiscation. Islam was no stranger to these protests, having participated regularly with his family in their fight for their land and rights. On the day of his death, Islam joined fellow villagers in the Abu Laymoon area to demonstrate against Israeli occupation and the ongoing crisis in Gaza. The protest was part of a larger national strike calling attention to Israel’s actions in Jerusalem and Gaza.

During the protest, Israeli forces responded with live ammunition, a tactic that had escalated during this period of intense violence. Islam’s friend, 14-year-old Abdullah Zaid, recalled the moment the shots were fired. While everyone else ducked for cover, Islam fell to the ground, a blotch of blood visible on his head. Despite efforts to get him to medical help, Islam was declared dead shortly afterward. His killing made him the 29th Palestinian killed in the West Bank since the uprising began in April 2021. Islam’s death was a shock to his family and community, who never imagined that such a promising young life would be ended by violence.

Islam’s mother, Janna, and his father, Wael, were devastated by the loss of their son. Janna, unable to come to terms with the death of one of her children, was overwhelmed with grief. His grandmother, Intisar, struggled to cope with the void left by Islam’s absence, particularly as he had been such an active and loving presence in her life. Islam had dreams of excelling in school, a wish that he had shared with his mother. He had promised to do his best, graduate, and continue his education, a future now taken away by the violence that plagued his homeland.

Islam Wael Burnat’s death highlighted the ongoing crisis in the West Bank, where Palestinian protesters, particularly young people, continue to face violent repression by Israeli forces. His killing is a reminder of the heavy toll of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on children and families who seek only justice and peace.

How they died

shot dead

He was shot in the head by Israeli forces on 18 May 2021 during a protest against Israel's bombardment of Gaza and the forced displacement of Palestinians in Jerusalem.

Why we remember them

This record exists so that Islam Wael Burnat, and all who are named in this archive, are never reduced to a number.

References & sources