we are not numbers

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

Nedaa Al-Abadlah

    Nedaa, 25, was born in Khan Younis, is married and has a daughter named Eileen who was born in 2015. She works as a blogger and freelance translator, after graduating wth an English literature degree from Al-Azhar University. Nedaa also has worked as an English teacher, human rights trainer, news editor, public relations officer and project coordinator.

    Nedaa believes in what Ghassan Kanafani once said: "You have something in this world, so stand up." Therefore, she seeks to improve herself. She wants to publish, and her first book will be a novel based on a short story she submitted to the Sea of Words 2016 competition. Nedaa’s second book is already planned: a collection of essays she wrote during the last three years. 

    my work

    My husband and I planned a joyous wedding in Gaza, and then travel together to his home in the UAE. But then our world turned upside down.
    Winter is coming, driving us all indoors where the virus lurks.
    Every day, I witness and share other people's pain. It's my job.
    In Gaza, we must learn that home is inside. Everything else is taken away.
    My homeland has been an imaginary place as long as I’ve lived. I’ve never been able to actually go there.