we are not numbers

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

Haneen Abo Soad

    Haneen, 24, studied secretarial skills at Al-Aqsa University, but then got married at the age of 19–too young, she says–and quickly had two children. Thus, Haneen wants to dedicate her writing to empowering other young women to be strong and stand for themselves. She "feeds her soul" by writing, and dreams of being free one day to be her own person. "Life is too short, so live each day as if it was your last," she believes. Haneen hopes to travel to somewhere where she can be "crazy"–dancing in the street and singing on the beach. That may not be crazy in some countries, but it is in Gaza!

    my work

    Israeli F-16 rockets destroyed a four-generation property that was once alive with family gatherings.
    It’s always a good time to eat this crunchy comfort food.
    This old hajja keeps rebelling.
    I could no longer wait for change. So I set out to make it happen.
    Most people in 'damn Gaza' are desperate to leave. But what does that mean for its future?
    When I go to the protests by the border, I stare at the fence and wonder.
    My aunt was my rock and role model. Cancer took her too soon.
    The international Time's Up movement resonates among women everywhere, including in Gaza.
    Nana hopes Santa will come to Gaza and make her wishes come true.
    I married at the age of 19 and began discovering both the heartbreak and the joy it would bring me.
    My eyes see now; I can’t close them to the scene that is my life.