About
Empowering the public with a balanced view that challenges history
About
The Bseiso Family Archive tells the story of Mahrous Afandi Bseiso, a key figure in Beersheba during the first half of the 20th century, and his deeply rooted Palestinian family. The Bseiso family is a branch of the Kayali family, a noble lineage tracing back to the Prophet Mohammad’s daughter. Over centuries, the Kayali family contributed scholars, artists, and leaders across the Levant. The family name “Bseiso” comes from Alhaj Ahmed Bseiso Al Kayali, a businessman known for his kindness and generosity. Mahrous Afandi continued this tradition of leadership and ethical entrepreneurship, transforming Beersheba’s desert into farmland before being forced to leave in 1948. Now preserved by his grandson Adel, the archive reflects the rich history and legacy of the Bseiso family.
Mission & Vision
Our Mission
In modern history, Palestinians have been unjustly portrayed as uncivilized and undeserving, leading to widespread dehumanization. This perception has fueled a lack of empathy and compassion among nations, allowing over 75 years of atrocities to persist while dismissing our struggle for self-determination. Our mission is to humanize the Palestinian people and shed light on the reality of their struggle by providing comprehensive public education about the right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and lands, and to seek full restitution for confiscated and destroyed property, in line with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and international law.
Our Vision
To transform the public’s understanding of the Palestinian struggle through a fact-based narrative of Mahrous Bseiso’s journey, from land-owner to refugee. We provide the essential curriculum to deepen education through digital access to the largest surviving collection of Palestinian-owned deeds dating back to 1906. Through unwavering commitment to partnership and legal discourse, we aim to foster a culture of hope and empowerment, where every person can feel informed on the question of Palestine.