Awad Joumaa

“We forget there is a whole tradition in journalism where a cartoon could make governments and world leaders shake. Naji al-Ali, the Palestinian cartoonist, was killed for his cartoons. That is how powerful they were. And Shujaat was an incredible voice in that genre.”

Awad Joumaa · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-09

Awad Joumaa highlighted the historical power of political cartoons, placing Ali in the same tradition as Palestinian cartoonist Naji al-Ali.

“unlike anything we were used to seeing in a news organisation… He drew everyone from Arafat to George Bush to Osama bin Laden.”

Awad Joumaa · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-09

Awad Joumaa described Ali's cartoons as being unique for a news organization, noting that he drew a wide range of political figures.

“I remember the pride in his voice when he told me that presidents, prime ministers and rebel fighters passing through the newsroom would always stop to look at the wall where his cartoons hung,”

Awad Joumaa · said date not stated · reported 2026-11-09

Awad Joumaa recalled Ali's pride in knowing that notable figures passing through the newsroom would stop to view his displayed cartoons.