we are not numbers

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

Allam Zedan

    Allam, 25, is a freelance translator and writer from Jabalya, one of the refugee camps in Gaza. He is originally from Al-Masmiyyah Al-Kabeerah, one of many stolen villages in historic Palestine. Allam holds a BA in Arabic literature and a high diploma in professional translation from the Islamic University of Gaza. He has translated various articles and booklets related to the Palestinian issue, including “The Transfer (Expulsion of the Palestinians) in Israeli Thought and Practices.” Allam volunteers for a number of local and international institutes, and contributes to everything possible to help his besieged people of Gaza and oppressed people in other parts of the world.

     

    my work

    My assignment was to write a story. But I can't think of anything other than sad stories, ugly stories, stories of pain and loss.
    These people and their resistance…how they create life amidst their pain sometimes frightens me.
    I met my former teacher on the street, and wanted to cry when I heard his tragic news. But he also had a surprise for me.
    Mohammed had one head, two legs and two arms...and then there was only one, which he carried.