we are not numbers
emerging writers from Palestine tell their stories and advocate for their human rights
Six judges will review and select among scores of books that ‘preserve, challenge, and expand the Palestinian narrative.’
Image: Palestine Book Awards
WANN co-founder Ahmed Alnaouq has been invited to join the panel of judges for the Palestine Book Awards, which honors new books published in English about any aspect of Palestine.
The other new judge is Dr. Suja Sawafta, assistant professor and director of Arabic Studies at the University of Miami.
“Both bring powerful voices and lived commitment to Palestinian storytelling,” according to an Instagram post making the announcement. “Their presence strengthens our shared mission: to spotlight books that preserve, challenge, and expand the Palestinian narrative.”
Six judges in total will review and select the 2026 winners. The shortlist will be announced in July, with a ceremony announcing the winner held later in the year.
This will be the 15th consecutive year of the Palestine Book Awards. Eligible books were published between May 2025 and April 2026 and fall across a range of categories, including academic, creative, social history, and more.
Image: Palestine Book Awards
“Serving as judge is a big commitment, because I must read every page of scores of books — and then make difficult decisions,” says Alnaouq, who himself is co-author with Pam Bailey of We Are Not Numbers: The Voices of Gaza’s Youth. “But I’m honored to do this, because the Palestine Book Awards aligns well with the mission of We Are Not Numbers, which is to uplift emerging Palestinian voices.”
Previous winners are listed at the Palestine Book Awards website.
