This is my will and my final message.

@ajplus

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Why it worked

The video's emotional impact, combined with its powerful message of sacrifice and resilience in the face of conflict, likely resonated with viewers, leading to high engagement and shares.

Summary

This video is a posthumous message from Al Jazeera correspondent Anas al-Sharif, detailing his experiences and entrusting his family and Palestine to the viewers. The animation depicts scenes of conflict, suffering, and resilience, emphasizing the journalist's commitment to truth.

Structure

1Introduction of the message and accusation against Israel.
2Description of personal sacrifices and hopes for return.
3Depiction of suffering and the plight of people in Gaza.
4Entrustment of Palestine and family members.
5Final message of faithfulness and trust in God.
6Disclosure of the message's origin and author.

Product placement

Al Jazeera (news organization): appears as a watermark on a microphone and is mentioned as the employer of the deceased journalist. Removing it would not change what happens in the video. PRESS (vest): appears on the journalist's vest. Removing it would not change what happens in the video.

On-screen text

PRESS This is my will and my final message. If these words reach you, know that Israel has succeeded in killing me and silencing my voice. - The coverage will continue on Al Jazeera's screens even if Anas gets assassinated, and all the colleagues are assassinated. - First, peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings. God knows I gave every effort and all my strength to be a support and a voice for my people, ever since I opened my eyes to life in the alleys and streets of the Jabalia refugee camp. My hope was that God would extend my life so I could return with my family and loved ones to our original town of occupied Asqalan (Al-Majdal). But God's will came first, and his decree is final. I have lived through pain in all its details. - This is the woman and this is what I was talking about a few moments ago ... and this is what I was talking about a few moments ago ... that people are collapsing right now in the streets of Gaza because of the intensity of hunger. - And I have tasted suffering and loss many times. Yet I never once hesitated to convey the truth as it is without distortion or falsification - so that God may bear witness against those who stayed silent, those who accepted our killing, those who choked our breath, and whose hearts were unmoved by the scattered remains of our children and women doing nothing to stop the massacre that our people have faced for more than a year and a half. I entrust you with Palestine - the jewel in the crown of the Muslim world, the heartbeat of every free person in this world. I entrust you to take care of my family. I entrust you with my beloved daughter, Sham, the light of my eyes, whom I never got the chance to watch grow up as I had dreamed. I entrust you with my dear son, Salah, whom I had wished to support and accompany through life, until he grew strong enough to carry my burden and continue the mission. I entrust you with my beloved mother, whose blessed prayers brought me where I am, whose supplications were my fortress and whose light guided my path. I also entrust you with my lifelong companion, my beloved wife, (Umm Salah) Bayan, from whom the war separated me for many long days and months. Yet, she remained faithful to our bond, steadfast as a trunk of an olive tree that does not bend, patient, trusting in God. This was Written by Al Jazeera correspondent Anas al-Sharif before he was assassinated by Israel. He asked his friends to publish it in the event of his death. PRODUCER: AHMED ABDELALEIM NARRATOR: MOHAMMED ELSHAZLY ART DIRECTION: OMAR LABBAB ANIMATION: JAMEL EDDINE GHABBARA MUSIC COMPOSITION AND AUDIO MIXING: HAMZA TEBAI MANAGER OF CREATIVE: MOMIN BANNANI EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: MOHAMMED FAWZI VISUAL NARRATION: HASSAN MANASRAH COMPOSITION AND ANIMATION OF SCENES: OMAR LABBAB

Original caption

One year ago today, Israel killed Al Jazeera’s Anas al-Sharif in a targeted drone attack in Gaza City. This was his last message. #AnasAlSharif #Gaza #Journalist #JournalismIsNotACrime

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Transcript

This is my will and my final message. If these words reach you, know that Israel has succeeded in killing me and silencing my voice. - The coverage will continue on Al Jazeera's screens even if Anas gets assassinated, and all the colleagues are assassinated. - First, peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings. God knows I gave every effort and all my strength to be a support and a voice for my people, ever since I opened my eyes to life in the alleys and streets of the Jabalia refugee camp. My hope was that God would extend my life so I could return with my family and loved ones to our original town of occupied Asqalan (Al-Majdal). But God's will came first, and his decree is final. I have lived through pain in all its details. - This is the woman and this is what I was talking about a few moments ago ... and this is what I was talking about a few moments ago ... that people are collapsing right now in the streets of Gaza because of the intensity of hunger. - And I have tasted suffering and loss many times. Yet I never once hesitated to convey the truth as it is without distortion or falsification - so that God may bear witness against those who stayed silent, those who accepted our killing, those who choked our breath, and whose hearts were unmoved by the scattered remains of our children and women doing nothing to stop the massacre that our people have faced for more than a year and a half. I entrust you with Palestine - the jewel in the crown of the Muslim world, the heartbeat of every free person in this world. I entrust you to take care of my family. I entrust you with my beloved daughter, Sham, the light of my eyes, whom I never got the chance to watch grow up as I had dreamed. I entrust you with my dear son, Salah, whom I had wished to support and accompany through life, until he grew strong enough to carry my burden and continue the mission. I entrust you with my beloved mother, whose blessed prayers brought me where I am, whose supplications were my fortress and whose light guided my path. I also entrust you with my lifelong companion, my beloved wife, (Umm Salah) Bayan, from whom the war separated me for many long days and months. Yet, she remained faithful to our bond, steadfast as a trunk of an olive tree that does not bend, patient, trusting in God. This was Written by Al Jazeera correspondent Anas al-Sharif before he was assassinated by Israel. He asked his friends to publish it in the event of his death.