What does it take to be Osama bin Laden’s son? (2024)

The name ‘Bin Laden’ evokes different emotions in people. While many continue to fear Osama Bin Laden, the former chief of the terror organization Al Qaeda, some express anger and disgust. One such individual named Omar Bin Laden said that this surname is no reason to feel ashamed about or even scorn at. He is the son of Osama Bin Laden. In an interview with ‘The New Statesmen’ he speaks about his life, his relationship with his dreaded father, the 9/11 terrorist attacks and how he leads his life in the western world.

The surname:

Omar pointed out that the surname carried its own legacy which could be traced back to his grand-father Mohammed bin Laden who began a construction company and worked hard in ensuring its success in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He added that it was Mohammed’s son Osama bin Laden who had tarnished the family name with the twin tower attacks of 2001.

To a question on how people treated him after finding out that he is the son of Osama bin Laden, he said that many people were curious to learn about his life and many extended a hand of friendship rather than treating him differently.

Staying with Osama bin Laden and the 9/11 attacks:

Omar stayed with his father in Afghanistan beginning from 1996. Osama bin Laden had left Saudi Arabia to head the terror organization. They stayed in the Tora Bora mountains in Afghanistan and gave up many luxuries they were accustomed to in Saudi Arabia. They lived in huts, caves and other areas. He left his father, a few months before the 9/11 attacks in the US.

He was staying in Jeddah when his relatives yelled at him when dramatic visuals of the attack on the twin towers entered television screens across the world. He has condemned these terror attacks and forgiven his father. He did not agree with his relatives and didn’t believe that his father was capable of executing these terror attacks. He added that his relatives prefer not to talk about this topic which is painful.

Present life:

He is married to a British national and the two are staying in Normandy in France. He has taken up painting as a hobby to recover from various psychological scars related to his upbringing. He is presently suffering from many issues including post-traumatic stress disorder and bipolar disorders among others. He also expressed his interest in watching various American movies.

FAQs:

When did Osama bin Laden die?
In 2011, US Navy seals in a special operation crossed the Af-Pak border and killed Osama bin Laden. He was staying in a compound in Abbottabad in Pakistan.

Did Osama’ son write any book describing his experience of growing up with his father?
Omar bin Laden has written a book. This is titled ‘Growing up bin Laden’. It describes his household experiences of growing up with the Al Qaeda chief.

...moreless

...moreless