Elaine Mokhtefi, an American activist, translator, and writer who became a witness to Algeria’s fight for independence and its subsequent role as a hub for global liberation movements, died on September 11, 2026, at the age of 98.
The Chenab Times has learned that Mokhtefi, born Elaine Klein in New York in 1928, passed away in New York. She was known for her memoir, “Algiers, Third World Capital: Freedom Fighters, Revolutionaries, Black Panthers,” published in 2018, which detailed her experiences in Algeria during a pivotal era.
Mokhtefi’s journey into activism began in her youth in the United States, where she became involved with peace and justice movements. After moving to France in the early 1950s, she became deeply engaged with anti-colonial struggles, particularly the Algerian independence movement against French colonial rule. She translated for anti-racist and anti-colonial activists, eventually joining the Algerian National Liberation Front (FLN) in New York, where she lobbied the United Nations in support of the movement.
Following Algeria’s independence in 1962, Mokhtefi moved to the country and lived there until 1974. During her time in Algiers, she worked as a journalist for the Algeria Press Service, focusing on news from the Third World. The city at that time became a significant center for various international revolutionary groups, earning it the moniker “Third World Capital.” Mokhtefi’s memoir vividly describes the atmosphere of Algiers during the 1960s and early 1970s, highlighting its role in connecting global liberation movements.
Her work in Algeria included interactions with prominent figures and organizations. She was instrumental in the establishment of the Black Panther Party’s presence in Algiers, working with figures like Eldridge Cleaver, who sought refuge there. The city became a sanctuary and meeting point for activists from around the world, including those from Palestine, South Africa, and the United States, drawn by Algeria’s revolutionary ideals and its post-colonial identity.
Mokhtefi’s memoir also touches upon the disillusionment that set in as independent Algeria took a more illiberal turn. She and her husband, Mokhtar Mokhtefi, an Algerian freedom fighter, eventually left Algeria and returned to New York. Her personal account provides a unique perspective on the complexities of post-colonial nation-building and the shifting landscapes of international revolutionary solidarity.
Born into a secular Jewish family in Hempstead, New York, Mokhtefi’s early life was marked by a keen awareness of social injustices. She described facing antisemitism and rebelling against segregationist environments during her time at college in Georgia. These formative experiences fueled her commitment to anti-racism and anti-colonialism throughout her life.
Mokhtefi’s literary contributions extend beyond her memoir. She co-authored several history books for young readers with her husband. Her memoir, “Algiers, Third World Capital,” has been praised for its vivid portrayal of a unique historical period and its insights into the transnational networks of radical thought and activism that converged in Algeria during the mid-20th century.
Elaine Mokhtefi’s life spanned periods of significant global change, from the post-World War II era and the height of decolonization movements to the rise of Black Power and other Third World liberation struggles. Her work as a translator, journalist, and writer offered a critical lens on these movements, documenting their hopes, challenges, and eventual transformations from her vantage point in Algiers and beyond.
Global Affairs Desk at The Chenab Times covers international developments, global diplomacy, and foreign policy issues through fact-based reporting, explainers, and analytical pieces. The desk focuses on major geopolitical events, diplomatic engagements, and international trends, with an emphasis on verified information, multiple perspectives, and contextual understanding of global affairs.