Osama Eid Hajjaj (Arabic: أسامة حجاج; born January 9, 1973, in Amman, Jordan) is a Palestinian-Jordanian political cartoonist widely recognized for his fearless social and political commentary. Known for his incisive political cartoons and caricatures, Hajjaj’s work has been featured in major Jordanian and international newspapers, including Ad-Dustour, Al Ra’i, Al-Bilad, Al-Mar’aa, and the Emirati daily Al-Ittihad.
Through his expressive and thought-provoking art, Hajjaj has become one of the Arab world’s most prominent cartoonists—using humor, irony, and symbolism to expose corruption, oppression, and extremism.
Osama Hajjaj — Infobox
| Full Name | Osama Eid Hajjaj (Arabic: أسامة حجاج) |
|---|---|
| Born | January 9, 1973 — Amman, Jordan |
| Age | 52 (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | Jordanian / Palestinian |
| Occupation | Political Cartoonist, Editorial Illustrator |
| Years Active | 1990s – present |
| Education | Studied Fine Arts (details not publicly specified) |
| Known For | Political cartoons and caricatures addressing Arab politics, extremism, and social justice |
| Major Publications | Ad-Dustour, Al Ra’i, Al-Bilad, Al-Mar’aa, Al-Ittihad (UAE), Al-Arab Al-Yawm (Jordan) |
| International Platforms | Cagle Cartoons, Charlie Hebdo (France) |
| Family | Brother: Emad Hajjaj, Jordanian cartoonist and creator of Abu Mahjoob |
| Themes | Political satire, press freedom, extremism, corruption, and the human condition in the Middle East |
| Style / Medium | Editorial cartoons, caricature, digital illustration |
| Notable Experiences | – Faced intimidation and death threats for anti-extremist cartoons – Reported imprisonment for one political cartoon |
| Languages | Arabic (native), English |
| Residence | Amman, Jordan |
Early Life and Education
Osama Hajjaj was born in Amman, Jordan, on January 9, 1973, into a Palestinian-Jordanian family. Growing up in a politically volatile region, he was deeply influenced by social injustice and the struggle for freedom of expression, which later shaped his artistic identity.
His passion for art began at a young age, sketching people, everyday situations, and political figures. Encouraged by his family—especially his older brother Emad Hajjaj, who would also become a famous cartoonist—Osama developed a deep appreciation for the power of cartoons to communicate truth and challenge authority.
Career and Artistic Path
Early Career in Jordanian Media
Hajjaj began his professional career in the 1990s, contributing cartoons to Jordan’s leading dailies, including:
- Ad-Dustour
- Al Ra’i
- Al-Bilad (weekly)
- Al-Mar’aa (weekly women’s magazine)
His bold and expressive drawings quickly gained attention for their ability to address sensitive issues with visual simplicity and sharp irony.
Later, Osama joined Al-Ittihad, a major Emirati newspaper, where his cartoons reached audiences across the Gulf region.
Themes and Style
Osama Hajjaj’s work blends humor, symbolism, and stark visual metaphors to critique politics, extremism, and social hypocrisy. His art often focuses on:
- Corruption and abuse of power in Arab governments
- Freedom of speech and press
- Religious extremism and ISIS
- Social inequality and gender issues
- The struggles of ordinary Arabs
His minimalist yet expressive style allows viewers to grasp the message instantly — a hallmark of powerful editorial cartooning.
Controversies and Challenges
Like his brother Emad Hajjaj, Osama has faced significant backlash for his fearless approach to sensitive subjects.
Both brothers have been threatened and intimidated due to their criticism of extremist groups like ISIS and of political authorities across the Middle East.
Osama has publicly stated that he was jailed for one of his cartoons, though he continues to draw and publish despite these dangers. His courage has made him a symbol of artistic resistance and free expression in a region where satire is often censored.
“A cartoon may anger some people, but silence angers me more,” he once said, summarizing his philosophy as an artist unafraid to confront power.
International Reach and Recognition
Osama Hajjaj’s work has crossed regional borders and reached global audiences. His cartoons have been published in France’s Charlie Hebdo and featured in international exhibitions and academic monographs on political satire and media freedom.
He is also a contributing artist to platforms that promote cartooning as a tool for dialogue, such as Cartoon Movement and Cagle Cartoons, both known for hosting works from the world’s leading editorial cartoonists.
Hajjaj’s art is frequently displayed in exhibitions across the Middle East and Europe, where his work is recognized for its courage, humanity, and humor amid conflict.
Relationship with Emad Hajjaj
Osama is the younger brother of Emad Hajjaj, creator of the legendary Jordanian comic character Abu Mahjoob.
Together, the Hajjaj brothers represent the modern face of Arab political cartooning — bold, insightful, and unafraid to speak truth to power. They share not only a family bond but a professional commitment to freedom of thought and artistic integrity.
Both artists have suffered censorship, harassment, and threats, but they remain steadfast in their mission to use satire as a form of resistance and education.
Artistic Philosophy
Osama Hajjaj views his art as both a mirror and a weapon — a mirror reflecting the flaws of society, and a weapon against hypocrisy and injustice.
His work communicates across languages and borders, using universal imagery that resonates with readers from Amman to Paris.
He once explained:
“In every line I draw, I try to defend humanity — because humor, even in the darkest times, can remind us that we are still free to think.”
Selected Publications and Media
- Ad-Dustour (Jordan)
- Al Ra’i (Jordan)
- Al-Arab Al-Yawm (Jordan)
- Al-Ittihad (UAE)
- Charlie Hebdo (France)
- Cagle Cartoons (USA)
Legacy
Over the past three decades, Osama Hajjaj has become one of Jordan’s most respected and internationally recognized cartoonists. His art not only entertains but also documents history, provokes dialogue, and exposes the truths many are afraid to say aloud.
His legacy lies in his ability to turn the pain and contradictions of the Arab world into lines of laughter — and resistance.
