American Activist Killed in West Bank Protest: A Life of Passion and Purpose

Aysenur Eygi, a 26-year-old American-Turkish activist, lost her life on September 1, 2024, during a protest in the West Bank. The incident occurred just three months after her graduation from the University of Washington, where she studied psychology and Middle Eastern languages and culture.

Eygi, a volunteer with the International Solidarity Movement (ISM), was participating in a demonstration against Jewish settlement expansion in Beita when the tragic event unfolded. The ISM, founded in 2001, is known for its pro-Palestinian stance and non-violent resistance methods.

Aria Fani, a professor at the University of Washington, described Eygi as someone who "fought injustice truly wherever it was." Despite warnings about the region's volatility, Eygi remained determined to witness and support the Palestinian cause.

Eygi's activism began long before her involvement in the West Bank. In 2016, as a high school student in Seattle, she helped organize walkouts following Donald Trump's presidential election. Her commitment to social causes continued throughout her college years, including participation in protests against Israel's military actions in Gaza during the spring of 2024.

"This is how we win things … by getting out in the streets, getting loud and demanding what we need."

The circumstances surrounding Eygi's death are disputed. The ISM claims the protest was peaceful, primarily involving prayer. In contrast, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated they responded to violent activity. Eygi was reportedly observing from a distance when she was fatally shot.

Tragically, Eygi is the third ISM volunteer to lose their life since 2003. Previous incidents include the deaths of Rachel Corrie from Olympia, Washington, in March 2003, and Tom Hurndall from Britain, who was shot shortly after and succumbed to his injuries months later.

Eygi's family remembers her as "strong, beautiful, and nourishing," drawing a poignant comparison to the olive tree beneath which she took her final breaths. The olive tree, a symbol of peace cultivated in the Mediterranean for millennia, serves as a fitting metaphor for Eygi's life and aspirations.

A memorial procession was planned in Nablus, a city approximately 49 km north of Jerusalem, before Eygi's burial in Aydin, Turkey, as per her family's wishes. The Turkish Foreign Ministry has been working to repatriate her body.

Eygi's legacy extends beyond her activism. At the University of Washington, known for its strong programs in computer science and engineering, she worked as a peer mentor and supported children with autism. Her LinkedIn profile reflected her drive to make a positive impact and contribute to meaningful projects.

The loss of Aysenur Eygi serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing tensions in the West Bank and the risks faced by those who choose to stand for their beliefs in conflict zones.