we are not numbers

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

Eman Al-astal

    Eman Al-astal is a freelance content writer and translator; she studied for her bachelor’s degree in English Literature at Islamic University of Gaza and graduated only one month before the genocide began. During her academic life, and in order to build up her community, she volunteered as a translator and writer in many cultural and social activities, including the Hult Prize, Inspire Conference, TEDx, and Free to Lance Camp.

    Eman believes in the words of her professor, Dr. Refaat Alareer: “Writing is an act of life, a duty to humanity, a moral responsibility, and a kind of resistance.”

    She dreams of a free Palestine where all people coexist regardless of color, race, or religion.

    Current as of August 2024.

    Young woman in pink headscarf and striped robe.

    my work

    Every day, the farmer counts his goats on the besieged farm. / He says he counts them to guard / against the dogs / that lurk.
    My breath mingles with dust / My face, too, with blood.
    Two steps, one, two / His eyes stare, mine too /  No steps left, I swallow. We meet. / What will follow?
    Once / upon a night / I lost my son.
    Let’s play a cheap game / Stand confidently / to give your speech.
    Tell her she was the light of my eyes / The star that guided my nights.
    O Gaza, thou art sick. / The visible worm that dares / to come in the raging storm ...
    In a warless land a budding student / is honored today. His first epic poem / has won.
    A child dies, western media reports. / A half piece of his favorite candy saved / in the jar will never be eaten.
    Tears blur my eyes / but your smile is clear / like a field of wheat.