"I have learned that a woman can be a fighter, a freedom fighter, a political activist, and that she can fall in love, and be loved, she can be married, have children, be a mother... Revolution must mean life also; every aspect of life."
About Leila Khaled
Leila Khaled — Life and Legacy
Leila Khaled is a prominent Palestinian activist recognized for her significant role in the struggle for Palestinian liberation. Her involvement in the Palestinian resistance, particularly during the late 1960s and early 1970s, marked her as a symbol of defiance against oppression. Khaled's key ideas revolve around the necessity of armed struggle and the importance of identity in the fight for freedom. She famously stated, 'We are not terrorists, we are freedom fighters,' which encapsulates her belief that the Palestinian struggle is a legitimate fight for liberation rather than an act of violence. This perspective challenges the mainstream narrative surrounding resistance movements and emphasizes the right to self-determination. Khaled's quotes reveal her deep commitment to justice and the empowerment of oppressed peoples, particularly women, in the struggle for freedom. Her assertion that 'The only way to achieve peace is through struggle' reflects her conviction that true peace can only be realized through active resistance against injustice. Today, her words continue to resonate, inspiring new generations to engage in the fight for their rights and identity.
Quote collection
Leila Khaled quotes
4 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"Who planted terrorism in our area? Some came and took our land, forced us to leave, forced us to live in camps. I think this is terrorism. Using means to resist this terrorism and stop its effects - this is called struggle."
"I have a cause higher and nobler than my own, a cause to which all private interests and concerns must be subordinated."
"Like Mahmoud Abbas. He is not gaining anything. He puts conditions and Israel ignores them. Israel doesn’t give him any hint that they will accept a single one of his conditions. Let me tell you. Arafat went to Oslo and signed [the agreement]. What did Israel do? They confined him in Muqata in one room and killed him."