Gustav Michalon
Omaya Joha (Arabic: أمية جحا; born 2 February 1972) is a Palestinian political cartoonist, journalist, and activist, celebrated as the first female cartoonist in the Arab world to work for a daily political newspaper.
A pioneering figure in Arab media, Joha’s bold and expressive cartoons—often published in Al Jazeera Arabic and Al-Quds—confront themes of occupation, oppression, and resistance, giving voice to the struggles of Palestinians through powerful imagery and biting satire.
Her work has earned her international recognition, including the Arab Journalism Award (2001) in the United Arab Emirates, while also sparking controversy and censorship due to its uncompromising political stance.
Omaya Joha — Infobox
| Full Name | Omaya Joha (Arabic: أمية جحا) |
|---|---|
| Born | 2 February 1972 — Gaza City, Palestine |
| Age | 53 (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | Palestinian |
| Occupation | Political Cartoonist, Journalist |
| Years Active | 1995 – present |
| Education | Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, Al-Azhar University, Gaza (1995, with honors) |
| Known For | First female political cartoonist in the Arab world; political cartoons for Al-Quds and Al Jazeera Arabic |
| Major Publications | Al-Quds Daily, Al Jazeera Arabic, Al-Arabiya, Juha Ton (cartoon production company) |
| Notable Achievements | • First woman in the Arab world to work as a full-time political cartoonist for a daily newspaper • Chairperson of Juha Ton cartoon company |
| Awards | • 1999 – Palestinian Ministry of Culture Award for Cartoons • 2001 – Arab Journalism Award, Dubai Press Club (UAE) • 2007 – Creative Women Award for Cartoons • 2010 – Grand Prize, Naji Al-Ali International Cartoon Competition (Turkey) |
| Artistic Themes | Palestinian resistance, occupation, women’s rights, social justice, freedom of expression |
| Affiliations | Member of the Naji Al-Ali Association (Palestine) |
| Exhibitions | Numerous local and international exhibitions on Arab and political art |
| Spouses | 1. Rami Khader Saad (d. 2003) 2. Wael Aqilan (d. 2009) |
| Controversies | 2016 – Facebook removed her page for “offensive content”; accused by ADL of anti-Semitic imagery (disputed) |
| Residence | Gaza City, Palestine |
| Languages | Arabic (native), English |
Early Life and Education
Omaya Joha was born on 2 February 1972 in Gaza City, Palestine, into a family deeply connected to education and public life.
She studied mathematics at Al-Azhar University in Gaza, where she graduated with honors in 1995. While her academic background was in science, her passion for drawing and social justice soon led her down a different path.
Before pursuing a full-time career in journalism and art, Joha worked for three years as a mathematics teacher, combining logic and creativity—two traits that would later define her visual storytelling.
Personal Life
Omaya Joha’s personal life has been marked by tragedy and resilience.
She was first married to Rami Khader Saad, a Hamas commander who was killed by Israeli forces in 2003. Her second husband, Wael Aqilan, died in May 2009, after being denied medical treatment outside the Gaza Strip.
Despite her losses, Joha continued to use her art as a form of emotional and political resistance, expressing both pain and perseverance in her cartoons.
Career and Artistic Journey
Breaking Barriers in Arab Journalism
In 1999, Joha left her teaching position to focus entirely on cartooning and visual journalism. That same year, she began working for the daily newspaper Al-Quds, marking a historic moment as the first Arab woman to serve as a political cartoonist in a daily newspaper.
Her cartoons, characterized by expressive linework and poignant symbolism, quickly gained popularity in Palestine, Jordan, and the wider Arab world.
She also founded and chaired the cartoon production company “Juha Ton”, further establishing her influence as a leading figure in Arab visual media.
Over the years, Joha has collaborated with major Arab outlets, including:
- Al-Quds (Palestine)
- Al Jazeera Arabic (Qatar)
- Al-Arabiya
- Various online and print news sites
Her illustrations often depict Palestinian life under occupation, the plight of refugees, and the resilience of Arab women, while blending humor, anger, and defiance.
Artistic Style and Themes
Omaya Joha’s work combines satire, symbolism, and raw emotion. Her characters are often drawn in bold black lines with expressive faces—representing the Palestinian people’s endurance amid adversity.
Her recurring themes include:
- Life under Israeli occupation
- Resistance and identity
- Social justice and women’s empowerment
- Freedom of expression in the Arab world
She frequently uses allegorical imagery—chains, doves, keys, and olive trees—to represent loss, hope, and the Palestinian struggle for self-determination.
Awards and Recognition
Omaya Joha’s work has earned her several prestigious awards throughout her career:
- 1999 – Palestinian Ministry of Culture Award for Cartoons
- 2001 – Arab Journalism Award, Dubai Press Club (UAE)
- 2007 – Creative Women Award for Cartoons
- 2010 – Grand Prize, Naji Al-Ali International Cartoon Competition, Solidarity Association with the Palestinian People (Turkey)
Her influence extends beyond journalism—she is an inspiration for young artists, especially women in the Arab world who use art as a form of resistance.
Memberships and Exhibitions
Joha is a member of the Naji Al-Ali Association in Palestine, an organization named after the iconic Palestinian cartoonist who inspired generations with his commitment to truth and justice.
She has also participated in numerous exhibitions in Palestine and internationally, where her works are often showcased alongside other political artists who document the realities of the Middle East through satire and illustration.
Controversies and Censorship
As a vocal critic of both Israeli policies and internal Palestinian politics, Joha’s art has often been targeted by censorship.
In January 2016, Facebook deleted her official page and removed all her cartoons, claiming they had received complaints about “offensive content.” The decision sparked outrage among journalists and free speech advocates.
In addition, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a U.S.-based organization, has labeled some of her works as “anti-Semitic.” Joha and her supporters have countered that her cartoons criticize Israeli government actions, not Judaism or the Jewish people.
Despite ongoing criticism and restrictions, Joha continues to publish her art through alternative media and online platforms, reaching audiences across the Arab world.
Significance and Legacy
Omaya Joha is more than a cartoonist—she is a cultural pioneer, journalist, and symbol of defiance in a region where female voices are often silenced.
Her legacy lies not only in her artwork but in her courage to stand firm against political pressure and personal tragedy. Through humor, symbolism, and honesty, she has opened new spaces for Arab women in journalism and the arts, proving that satire can be both a weapon and a healing force.
“I draw not to make people laugh, but to make them think.” — Omaya Joha
