Shireen Abu Aqleh (1971-2022) Biography, Family

Quick Info

Profession	Journalist
Nationality	Palestinian-American
Date of Birth	03/04/1971
Age	51 years (died on 11, May, 2022)
Birthplace	East Jerusalem
Date of Death	11/05/2022

Latest News about Shireen Abu Aqleh

08/05/2025

A documentary titled "Who Killed Shireen?" revisited the killing of Shireen Abu Akleh and said it identified the Israeli soldier who allegedly fired the shot that killed her in Jenin in May 2022. The film also highlighted her family’s response and renewed attention on accountability for her death.

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Bio/Wiki

Known For	Working as a reporter for the Arabic-language channel Al Jazeera for more than twenty-five years, covering the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and becoming a household name throughout the Arab world

Physical Stats & More

Height	165 cm
Weight	65 kg
Eye Color	Black
Hair Color	Light Brown

Educational Qualification(s)

School	Rosary Sisters' High School, Jerusalem
College/University	Jordan University of Science and Technology (Architecture - Dropout) Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan (Bachelor's of Journalism)

Personal Life

Place of Death	Jenin refugee camp, West Bank
Death Cause	Shot by Israeli Defense Forces while wearing protective press gear

Relationships & More

Marital Status (at the time of death)	Unmarried

Family

Siblings	Tony Abu Akleh

Career

Debut	Reporter on the Arabic-language channel Al Jazeera (1997)
Awards	2001: Awarded at the Dubai Press Club and was named a Media Personality of the year 2004: Presented a medal by the Libyan President for courage in her coverage of the Palestinian second Intifada 2001: Media Personality of the Year, Dubai Press Club 2004: Medal presented by the Libyan President for courage in coverage of the Palestinian second Intifada
Career Highlights	One of Al Jazeera's first field correspondents Covered the second Palestinian Intifada (2000-2005) Reported on Gaza Wars (2008, 2009, 2012, 2014, 2021) Covered the 2006 Lebanon war and international elections Taught at Birzeit University as a professor (2004) Earned diploma in Digital Media from Birzeit University (2020) Became a trainer at Birzeit University's Media Development Center

Social Media

Twitter	https://twitter.com/shireenabuakleh

Some Lesser Known Facts

1. Shireen established the Voice of Palestine (PBC) radio station in 1994.
2. In 2004, she taught at Birzeit University as a professor.
3. On 11 May 2022, she was shot by the Israel Defense Forces despite wearing protective gear labeled 'press'.
4. She had a strong love for animals and frequently shared pictures of them on social media.
5. She worked for Radio Monte Carlo, UNRWA, Amman Satellite Channel, and MIFTAH early in her career.
6. She covered major events including the second Intifada, Gaza Wars (2008, 2009, 2012, 2014, 2021), 2006 Lebanon war, and international elections.
7. She was raised Christian and spent much of her childhood in New Jersey.
8. In 2020, she earned a diploma in Digital Media from Birzeit University and later became a trainer at the university’s Media Development Center.
9. Worked for Voice of Palestine radio station early in her career
10. Spent formative years in New Jersey and obtained American citizenship
11. Initially studied architecture in Jordan before switching to journalism
12. Was raised Christian in a Palestinian family
13. The UN renamed their annual training program to The Shireen Abu Akleh Training Program for Palestinian Broadcasters and Journalists in her honour (May 31, 2022)

Shireen Abu Aqleh Journalist Palestinian-American East Jerusalem