we are not numbers

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

Tala Shurrab

Tala Shurrab was born and raised in Gaza. She obtained a scholarship to pursue her undergraduate degree in psychology at the Lebanese American University, Lebanon. She then pursued a master’s degree in psychology and education at the University of Cambridge. Tala is based in London and works in primary mental health, supporting clients with chronic mental health issues in their recovery journeys.

Her own journey of curiosity started while in school, trying to find meaning in the different paths and countries she traveled between. Always feeling like an outsider even at home, Tala decided to keep a diary, a journal of reflections and stories. Integrating psychology with her personal experience, Tala writes for “the independent and dazed.” On her personal social media accounts, she narrates stories from the perspective of an individual in the Palestinian diaspora, and she raises awareness of the impact of occupation and siege on mental health.

Tala Shurrab

my work

Surviving siege and wars is a blessing. Leaving both behind is a luxury.