Rayyan Yasser Suleiman

Their life

Rayyan Yasser Suleiman was a 7-year-old Palestinian child from Tuqu town, southeast of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank. On September 29, 2022, he died of cardiac arrest after being chased by Israeli soldiers who accused him and his brother of throwing stones. Rayyan was a second-grade student and described by those who knew him as a bright and cheerful child. His sudden death shocked his community and drew attention to the psychological trauma inflicted on Palestinian children living under military occupation.

Rayyan’s death occurred on a regular school day that turned tragic. As Israeli soldiers entered Tuqu, they began chasing schoolchildren, including Rayyan and his older brother. While running home in fear, Rayyan collapsed. Witnesses and his teacher confirmed that the soldiers also stormed his family’s home, ransacking it in an attempt to arrest his brother. The intense fear and panic caused by this military incursion led Rayyan to suffer a fatal heart attack.

Despite initial reports claiming he died from a fall, further investigation revealed that Rayyan’s death was the result of extreme psychological distress. He was rushed to Beit Jala hospital by medics, but doctors found no heartbeat and could not revive him. After his death, Israeli forces returned to raid his home again and interrogate his parents.

Rayyan’s death highlights the constant danger and fear Palestinian children face due to regular Israeli military presence, particularly around schools and residential areas. His passing became a symbol of t

How they died

Rayyan Yasser Suleiman died of a heart attack caused by extreme fear and stress after being chased by Israeli soldiers.

Rayyan Yasser Suleiman, age 7, died of a heart attack triggered by extreme fear and psychological trauma. Israeli soldiers had entered his town, Tuqu (southeast of Bethlehem), and began chasing schoolchildren, including Rayyan, accusing them of throwing stones. Witnesses confirmed that the soldiers also stormed Rayyan’s home to arrest his brother, escalating the child’s panic. Overwhelmed by terror, Rayyan collapsed and lost consciousness. He was taken to Beit Jala hospital, where medical staff confirmed that he had no pulse upon arrival and could not be resuscitated. His death was ruled as cardiac arrest caused by acute emotional distress.

Why we remember them

This record exists so that Rayyan Yasser Suleiman, and all who are named in this archive, are never reduced to a number.

References & sources