Mousa Qous, a journalist and activist who dedicated his life to amplifying the voices of Jerusalem’s Afro-Palestinian community, has passed away following a tragic fire in his home on 9 February. As the executive director of the African Community Society in the Old City, he was widely recognized for his work in advocating for Palestinian rights and preserving the history of a community often overlooked.
News of his death sent shockwaves across social media, with tributes pouring in from activists, journalists, and scholars worldwide. Many shared excerpts from his article in Skin Deep Magazine, where he reflected on the unique challenges faced by Afro-Palestinians. “It is a very specific experience, existing both as an overlooked part of a city’s history and as a persecuted community within a persecuted community,” he wrote.
His daughter, 22-year-old law student Shaden Qous, whom he interviewed for the piece, echoed the deep-rooted struggles faced by their community. “Israeli forces do not treat the Afro-Palestinian community with humanity,” she said. “[They] refer to us with the term Koshi [Hebrew for ‘Negro’], while the local Palestinian community calls me Samra [Arabic for ‘Dark woman’]. I am always reminded of my colour and that I am different.”
Shaden, an outspoken advocate herself, was arrested by Israeli authorities on 6 January on charges of “incitement” over social media posts. She was only released on 10 February, hours after her father’s burial. Reports emerged that Israeli forces raided the Qous family home during the mourning period and detained Mousa’s brother, Nasser, the head of the Palestinian Prisoners’ Club.
The loss of Mousa Qous has left a profound void in the Afro-Palestinian community, with many remembering him as a guiding force. Journalist and activist Marc Lamont Hill described him as a “visionary leader, beloved brother, and courageous warrior for Palestinian liberation.” Rula Jebreal, an academic and relative of Qous, called him a “remarkable leader, a brilliant journalist, and a cherished mentor.”
Ali Abunimah of Electronic Intifada reflected on the gravity of the moment, saying, “Jerusalem has lost part of its soul.” He also condemned the treatment of Shaden, stating, “It is particularly cruel, but not surprising, that the occupier initially refused to allow his imprisoned daughter Shaden Qous out of its dungeons even to bid farewell to her father.”
From Gaza, journalist Bisan Owda shared how meeting Qous had been an unforgettable experience. She posted their conversation with her nearly five million Instagram followers, calling him a “treasure.” Others who knew him spoke of his kindness, warmth, and unwavering dedication to his people.
“Crushed to hear the tragic passing of Mousa Qous, Abu Mohammed, which I learned to know during my ten years of daily life in Jerusalem. A very gentle person, hinged in the place he belonged to in the Old City of Jerusalem, close to the Haram al-Sharif,” journalist Paola Caridi wrote on X. Another social media user shared images of Qous, writing, “He was a true leader and pillar of the Afro-Palestinian community in occupied Jerusalem. I had the privilege of meeting him during my visit there, and I was struck by his warmth and hospitality. My condolences to his family and the entire community.”
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