we are not numbers

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

Tarneem Hammad

    Tarneem was born in Saudi Arabia, but grew up in Gaza and is an English literature graduate from Al-Azhar University. Following graduation, she worked as an English trainer for Amideast and a translator for a private company. Today, she is studying for her master's degree at Durham University in the UK. 

    Tarneem loves languages and, in addition to English and Arabic, knows a little French.

    She says, "When I stop working, I start dying," so she is always on the lookout for opportunities to show her leadership and develop new skills. Tarneem is proud of being able to work under pressure and also loves reading, writing, talking and laughter! Her dream is to help develop a public library in Gaza that looks like it came from the Harry Potter stories, including books from all cultures that will "bring out the bookworm in everyone."

    my work

    Electricity is taken for granted in most parts of the world, but not in Gaza--where it often plays hide and seek.
    Achieving your dream is never easy for a Gazan.
    Trump is supposed to be a deal maker, but his track record says otherwise.
    Farmers, fishermen and other workers toiling near the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel fight a battle rarely talked about.
    I know what it feels like to hope that help will come—and it doesn’t. That’s why I am writing this letter.
    "I couldn’t believe how fast life can change; in just a few seconds, we had lost our boat."
    "I only want one thing in life: Just give me back my boat."
    What first comes to your mind when you hear the word, “Bedouins”? Deserts? Camels?