Bassam became a fighter at the age of 14, and quickly found himself spending 7 long years in the Israeli jails. Always considering himself a fighter for the Palestinian cause, Bassam saw that armed struggle was not bearing any fruits, and so upon his release he became more involved in peaceful demonstrations, eventually founding Combatants for Peace. 

In 2007, Bassam's 10 year old daughter Abir was shot by an Israeli soldier in the back of the head while walking out of school in the West Bank. Bassam could have chosen many paths to follow after the tragic death of his daughter, but he chose to continue his efforts to end the occupation by peaceful means. He joined the Parents Circle Families Forum - an Israeli/Palestinian organization for bereaved family members of victims of the conflict. Through this organization as well as Combatants for Peace Bassam has been able to share his story with many people around the world.