Palestinian Writer Moves Archive Documenting West Bank Occupation to Scotland
Palestinian writer Raja Shehadeh secretly moved his archive, documenting the Israeli occupation of the West Bank, to Scotland for preservation.
South Bend Elkhart, IN, September 12, 2026 —
Palestinian writer Raja Shehadeh has secretly relocated his extensive archive, which chronicles the Israeli occupation of the West Bank, to Scotland. The move was undertaken to ensure the long-term preservation of these significant historical documents.
The archive contains material that details aspects of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. The specific nature and volume of the documents within the archive were not detailed, nor were the precise methods employed to move them covertly.
Shehadeh’s decision to transfer the archive to Scotland highlights concerns over the security and preservation of cultural and historical records. The destination for the archive is a secure facility in Scotland, chosen for its capacity to safeguard the collection.
No further details regarding the timeline of the move, the exact contents of the archive beyond its general subject matter, or the specific reasons for the secrecy were provided. The initiative underscores the efforts by individuals to protect important historical documentation amidst ongoing geopolitical situations.
Story summarized from the original created by Daniel Estrin on www.npr.org, see more information here.
Media gallery
