we are not numbers

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

Zahra Shaikhah

Zahra is studying English literature at the Islamic University of Gaza and is in her senior year. Unlike many students, Zahra actually likes researching English literature and wants to eventually become a university professor. When she is not studying, reading and writing are her passions in life. Zahra uses reading to "heal my soul" and writing as a way of fighting back. Philosophy, psychology and fiction are her reading interests. She also ilkes going to the beach; it's her main refuge in Gaza. Finally, having a cup of coffee with a friend and a deep conversation make her the happiest creature on the planet!

my work

The West Bank is part of my country and is so near, and yet so far.
I long to leave Gaza, but Laila El-Haddad treasures her trips back.
Reading the novel Mornings in Jenin gets me dreaming of travel.
When my friends asked me to go with them to the Great Return March, I had no idea what to expect.