we are not numbers

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

Hanin Alyan Elholy

    Hanin is a graduate in English literature and education from the Islamic University of Gaza, where she currently is pursuing a master's degree in applied linguistics. She believes "writing is power, creativity and relief." Hanin writes when her emotions sun high, as well as when intrigued by "uncanny ideas and mysterious issues." Psychology, drama, poetry and art are her other loves. In addition to We Are Not Numbers, Hanin is active in the Challenge to Change Little Sister-Big Sister progam and two initiatives to use social media to educate Western audiences on the Palestinian case: 16 October (named after the date the UN's Goldstone Report was issued) and 3D Youth (dedicated, determined and driven).

    my work

    He trained as an engineer, but his heart says "sing."
    Wars end, but the depression lingers and grows without treatment.
    All sick children tug at the heart, but in Gaza they face special challenges.
    I am certain of nothing except the inevitability of our freedom sooner or later.
    Is there a stronger love than the love you feel for a land you cannot see or visit?
    'Grow up, dream big and dare to fail,' says one writer to another in a poetry duet.
    Two hours after Ahmed was killed by Israelis, his wife gave birth to his son.
    Hoping this reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah actually lasts, I imagine what one "ghost" of failed leadership would say to the other.
    I hadn’t known it before, that a man's heart is actually in his eyes.
    What would happen if there was no evil? Certainly, there would be no learning that helps us grow stronger.
    Beating the odds when you have cancer in Gaza is like playing game of roulette.
    A tribute to our prisoners: They imprisoned your body, but not your soul.