we are not numbers

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

Areej Kassab

    Areej Kassab is an English teacher who graduated from Al-Azhar University. She has many international certificates in teaching, such as PCELT, TESOL, the TEFL certificate, and TEYL.

    She embodies resilience and passion in every facet of her work. She was an ambitious professional before the war and even after it, thriving as a teacher. She has worked with UNRWA and Friends Without Borders and is now working with UNDP.

    “I really love teaching morals before knowledge,” she says. “In this war, I’m trying to do my best in helping my family despite that I’m a mother of two and pregnant.

    “All my pieces of writing are about my life and how I’m trying to achieve despite all the difficulties and to shed light on the good side of life, to show hope, and to share stories of success.

    “I think each struggle we face teaches us or adds something new to our personality. So writing has become an integral part of my identity. It allows me to connect with a global audience and share my unique perspective and experiences.”

    Find Areej on social media through her LinkTree.

    Current as of September 2024

    Woman painting.

    my work

    From her perspective as a mother and educator, a Gazan woman considers the sources of suffering and pleads for help.
    The crowds, the markets, the sea, the schools, the celebrations: So much of Gaza is gone but forever in our memories.
    The shoreline has changed, the city has disappeared, and our future is hard to fathom.
    COVID-19 and poverty are “friends.” But we Gazans are strong
    Quarantines are no fun, but special moments can be created even then.
    Sometimes the road we think is our destiny is just a detour.