Jericho names street after U.S. serviceman who set himself on fire in protest of Israel’s genocide in Gaza

Jericho (Quds News Network) – The historic town of Jericho east of the occupied West Bank, known as the gateway to Palestine, has named a street after Aaron Bushnell, the courageous U.S. air force member who tragically set himself on fire outside the Israeli embassy in Washington to protest against the Israeli war of genocide in Gaza.

The 25-year-old, who succumbed to his injuries on February 25, is now being commemorated in Jericho as a symbol of sacrifice for the Palestinian cause.

Aaron Bushnell, who livestreamed his self-immolation on Twitch, declared that he would “no longer be complicit in genocide” and passionately shouted “free Palestine” as he started the fire. Despite law enforcement officials’ efforts to extinguish the flames, he passed away in the hospital several hours later.

The street, now named Aaron Bushnell Road, is situated in the south of Jericho in a popular area known for villas and parks, offering recreational activities like horse-riding and go-carting.

Branching off from Mahmoud Darwish Street, named after the unofficial national poet of Palestine, the newly dedicated road serves as a poignant meeting point for two powerful names in the Palestinian story.

Jericho’s Mayor Abdul Karim Sidr explained the swift decision to name the street after Bushnell, saying, “We made a quick decision so we would be first.” The town also named a square for South Africa in recognition of the government’s efforts to take Israel to the international court of justice, accusing it of genocide.

Amani Rayan, a Jericho city council member, emphasized the impact of Bushnell’s extreme act on the community, describing it as the most powerful expression of grassroots solidarity. “He sacrificed the most precious thing, whatever your beliefs. This man gave all his privileges for the children of Gaza.”

Critics in the US have cautioned against interpreting Bushnell’s self-immolation solely as a desperate decision of a person living with mental illness. Amani Rayan rejected this argument, stating, “He was a soldier who, with his last breath, despite the pain, shouted ‘free Palestine.’ This means he was clear to the depths of his being about why he was doing it.”

Jericho, historically significant and often associated with the Palestinian cause, now stands as a testament to the global resonance of Aaron Bushnell’s sacrifice. The street bearing his name is a reminder of the ongoing struggles in Gaza and a symbol of solidarity that transcends borders.