we are not numbers

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

Salsabeel Hamdan

    Born in 1993, “Sal” moved to Gaza when she was about 17 from the UAE. She struggled and still is struggling to fit into the extraordinary life of Gaza. She earned her bachelor's degree in English language and literature, and now is working as a trainer and translator.
    Salsabeel spends most of her time reading, researching and debating thorny topics related to consciousness, physics, psychology, philosophy and truth. She also enjoys looking for the repeated patterns around her and asking, "Why?" She hopes to complete her postgraduate studies in the philosophy of the mind.
    She also likes writing, drawing, singing and dancing, and used to be a pianist and an aerobic gymnast when she lived in the UAE. 
    Having had the chance to live both inside and outside Gaza has allowed Sal to acquire differing points of view. She wants to do the same for others who have not been able to travel, using writing to analyze life. She says: "You expand people's consciousness when you expand their ability to see situations from new and different angles. That is one reason why the Israeli blockade is so insidious; it prevents sharing and the growth in life experience."

    my work

    A strong national identity is crucial to our survival as a people.
    Through poetry, this book brings alive people who are, or who love, Palestine.
    Leaving Gaza is only the first hurdle in the journey away.
    Music is the subject of much debate in Gaza. Here's why.
    Ahmed sees his music as a message to his people and the world.
    Despite public perception, women are active in the Gaza border protests.
    This visit challenged my idea of "home."
    When I first moved to Gaza from the UAE, I found a land frozen in a time warp.