HAMAS Marks its 22nd Aniversary: A HAMAS Political Art Post

From left, clockwise: The late spiritual guide of HAMAS, Shaykh Ahmad Yassin (assassinated in March 2004), the head of HAMAS' external political bureau Khalid Mesh'al, and 'Aziz Duwayk ('Aziz Dweik), the speaker the Palestinian Legislative Council.

The Palestinian Islamist (Muslim political) movement HAMAS (Harakat al-Muqawamah al-Islamiyyah, "Islamic Resistance Movement") marked the twenty-second anniversary of its founding yesterday with a massive rally in Gaza City which was attended by tens of thousands of its supporters. The rally suggests that the movement remains an influential player in Palestinian politics despite its political and military setbacks since coming to power in early 2006. HAMAS has governed the Gaza Strip since defeating its chief political rival, the Fatah movement, which was founded by the late Yasir 'Arafat, during the first half of 2007 and driving them from Gaza. HAMAS and Fatah fought a short but bitter and bloody war in Gaza, with a reported Fatah coup attempt being preempted by HAMAS.

Artwork for the 22nd anniversary of HAMAS' founding

Below are some examples of HAMAS artwork produced by both official and unofficial channels.

HAMAS' Emblem

*I have written previously about virtual commemoration by HAMAS of its martyrs HERE.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Shaul Mishal & Avraham Sela, The Palestinian HAMAS: Vision, Violence, and Coexistence

Khaled Hroub, HAMAS: Political Thought and Practice

Jeroen Gunning, HAMAS in Politics: Democracy, Religion, Violence

Michael Irving Jensen, The Political Ideology of HAMAS: A Grassroots Perspective

________________________

"Palestine...in [our] Heart"

HAMAS Mount Rushmore, Assassinated leaders (from left): Shaykh Ahmad Yassin, 'Abd al-'Aziz al-Rantissi (a co-founder of the movement), Isma'il Abu Shanab (another co-founder, assassinated by Israel in August 2003), and Salah Shehadah (founder of HAMAS' military wing, the Brigades of the Martyr 'Izz al-Din al-Qassam, assassinated by Israel in July 2002).

"O' Jerusalem, We're Coming....", with photograph of al-Aqsa Mosque, one of Islam's holiest shrines

"O' Jerusalem, We're Coming....", with photograph of Dome of the Rock, one of Islam's holiest shrines

"Week of the Martyr," HAMAS Martyrs, including Shaykh Ahmad Yassin, Isma'il Abu Shanab, 'Abd al-'Aziz al-Rantissi, Yahya 'Ayyash, and Salah Shehadah

HAMAS's emblem and a flag emblazoned with the shahada, the Muslim testament of faith ("There is no god but the One God, and Muhammad is His Messenger")

Revelation & Gun: "Together until Victory" (not an official HAMAS media production but found on the party's official web forums)

___________________________

The late Palestinian interior minister & HAMAS leader Sa'id Siyyam (assassinated in January 2009 during Israel's military campaign in Gaza)

"In Memory of our Shaykh," Ahmad Yassin

Reem al-Rayyashi, HAMAS first woman martyr, c. January 2004

"Victory of the Resistance"

"Third Annual Anniversary of the Shaykh-Founder's Martyrdom," Ahmad Yassin and a photograph of al-Aqsa Mosque

"The Shaykh Ahmad Yassin"

"To you, peace, from us, al-Qassam...No peace [for] the courageous," 'Abd al-'Aziz al-Rantissi

Shaykh Ahmad Yassin, notice the Palestinian flag and map of Palestine on the right

"Greatness of the Nation," Shaykh Ahmad Yassin and 'Abd al-'Aziz al-Rantissi

'Abd al-'Aziz al-Rantissi