After secondary school he went to jail for suspected anti-Israeli activities, where he continued studying. Released from jail, he was strengthened in his wishes to achieve higher education. His father pressed him to invest more time in working, to build a home and to marry, but eventually agreed that Bashar enroll in AlQuds University, in Abu Dis, even before marriage (but after making some more money and buying a house). At university, he received a Bachelor’s degree in both Media Studies and Political Science. At the time of writing, he is working on his Master’s thesis in Political Science. He intends to continue studying for a Doctoral degree. Together with one of his brothers, he has the highest academic education in the clan.
Bashar was elected sheikh of the Jahalin clan, a leadership role in which he functions as advisor for the members of his tribe, and as mediator in family disputes. He also owns and manages a garage. He is married and has four children. He considers himself a global citizen, and he would like to migrate with his nuclear family to the United States.
