World
Tragic Death of Turkish American Activist Aysenur Eyzi Eygi in the West Bank
Explore the heartbreaking story of Aysenur Eyzi Eygi, a Turkish American activist whose tragic death in the West Bank has sparked outrage and sorrow. Discover her impactful journey and the implications of her loss on activism and community.
Tragic Loss of Aysenur Eyzi Eygi in the West Bank
Aysenur Eyzi Eygi, a 26-year-old Turkish American woman, was tragically shot and killed on Friday in the occupied West Bank while participating in a protest against an Israeli settler outpost. Friends and colleagues in the United States expressed that she would have wanted her death to serve as a reminder that such violence is far too common in the region.
Eygi was in Beita, a village located in the West Bank, when she was struck in the head by gunfire. The circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear, but both witnesses and Palestinian authorities reported that Israeli soldiers were responsible for the shots that claimed her life. Her death adds to the escalating toll of violence in the West Bank that has surged since the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, which subsequently ignited the ongoing conflict in Gaza. According to United Nations reports, over 600 individuals have lost their lives in the West Bank due to actions taken by Israeli forces and settlers since the onset of the war.
This visit to the West Bank was not just a fleeting moment for Eygi; it was part of her longstanding commitment to activism. Her journey began nearly a decade ago when she was still a teenager, participating in rallies opposing the construction of an oil pipeline through the Standing Rock Sioux reservation in North Dakota. Last spring, Eygi, who was born in Turkey and raised in Washington State, played a pivotal role in organizing protests against the Gaza War at the University of Washington, where she earned her degree in psychology, complemented by a minor in Middle Eastern languages and cultures.
Juliette Majid, an activist and close friend of Eygi, reflected on her vibrant spirit, stating, “Aysenur was so energetic and incredibly passionate about justice. Her loss is felt profoundly.” Eygi’s dedication to advocacy and her fervent desire for justice have left a lasting impact on all who knew her.