we are not numbers

emerging writers from Palestine tell their stories and advocate for their human rights

Abdallah Aljazzar

    Abdallah Aljazzar grew up in Rafah, in the far south of the Gaza Strip along the Egyptian border, and studied English language and literature at al-Azhar University, thanks to a scholarship from the Fakhoora program. He is driven by a desire to achieve excellence in everything he does, as well as to leave a significant impact on people’s life.

    Abdallah worked at Gaza Sky Geeks as the lead training officer on English Upskilling Trainings, and he assists in consultancy at many organizations in the south of Gaza. He is also actively pursuing opportunities to obtain a  master’s degree in public administration abroad.

    my work

    I’ve lost 60 family members in the last year, and I struggle to process how quickly everything has changed.
    A youth-led organization provides support, empowerment, and reasons for hope to families displaced by the war on Gaza.
    A family moves from home to a friend’s house, to a hospital, and back home again—but doesn’t feel safe anywhere.
    Gazans without electricity or gas get creative so they can bake bread and heat water.
    We are preparing for our forced emigration from Gaza to the Sinai Desert, or for our death. One or the other.
    A deafening explosion jolted us. The world collapsed around me. "Am I dead?" I asked Mohammed, clinging to his hand.
    Who, among the peoples of the world, truly comprehends the Palestinian plight?
    Alaa al-Tahrawi, who died in Israel's August 2022 attack on Gaza, was beloved by her son, husband, uncle, and many others.
    Sorrow and depression are not proper guides to living—friends are.
    During the war, I found solace in friendship.
    Two stories. Two reasons why Palestine will survive.
    Friends can live separated from each other without growing apart.