Today marks the 20th anniversary of the martyrdom of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, the revered spiritual leader and founder of the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (HAMAS).

Sheikh Yassin's legacy, marked by unwavering dedication to the Palestinian cause despite facing immense challenges, continues to inspire millions worldwide.

Born in 1937 in the village of al-Cevra in Palestine, Sheikh Ahmed Yassin experienced hardship from a young age. The loss of his father at an early age and the displacement caused by the Zionist invasion of Palestine in 1948 shaped his early years and fueled his commitment to justice and liberation for his people.

Sheikh Yassin's journey took a significant turn in 1952 when a swimming accident left him paralyzed. Despite this life-altering injury, he remained undeterred in his pursuit of education and activism. His resilience in the face of adversity became a hallmark of his character, inspiring others to persevere in the struggle for freedom.

With the occupation of Palestine by Zionist forces in 1967, Sheikh Ahmed Yassin emerged as a prominent voice for Palestinian rights. He played a pivotal role in mobilizing grassroots support and establishing the Islamic Center in Gaza, which became a hub for community organizing and resistance against the occupation.

Throughout his life, Sheikh Yassin faced persecution and imprisonment at the hands of the occupation authorities. Despite enduring multiple arrests and serving a lengthy prison sentence, he never wavered in his principles or his belief in the justice of the Palestinian cause.

In September 1997, after spending over eight years in prison, Sheikh Ahmed Yassin was released and brought to Jordan for medical treatment. Despite his physical limitations, he continued to be a beacon of hope and inspiration for Palestinians and supporters of their cause worldwide.

Tragically, Sheikh Yassin's unwavering commitment to resistance made him a target of the occupation regime. On March 22, 2004, he was assassinated in a targeted airstrike while leaving a morning prayer session. His death sent shockwaves throughout the Palestinian community and sparked outrage around the world.

Yet, Sheikh Ahmed Yassin's legacy endures, serving as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and liberation in Palestine. His life's work remains an inspiration for all those who continue to resist oppression and fight for the rights of the Palestinian people. As the anniversary of his martyrdom is observed, millions pay tribute to his memory and recommit themselves to the cause for which he dedicated his life. (ILKHA)