Stories From Palestine
When we see a book titled “Stories From Palestine”, our mind is filled with vivid images that we see regularly on news channels. The visuals that flash before our eyes are very depressing, to say the least. Most of the news coverage that we see and read is of bombs, destruction, and killings, which, unfortunately, is the sad reality. But amid all this, we forget that people living in Palestine are humans and not just numbers. We rarely get an insight into the daily lives and struggles of the people of Palestine living in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. The book “Stories From Palestine” features some awe-inspiring stories of ordinary people of Palestine.
Marda Dunsky presents a compelling portrait of Palestine, focusing on the lives of ordinary Palestinians, their resilience, potential, and success stories. Her work is a welcome departure from the usual coverage of Palestine, which is often centered on conflict and devastation. Through Stories From Palestine, she brings to light inspiring and remarkable narratives of individuals navigating life under Israeli occupation, showcasing their strength and determination in the face of adversity.
In the first chapter, the author presents the stories of some farmers and cultivators. These are the people who, despite all odds stacked against them, cultivate and farm their land. They face many hardships and problems like the continuous occupation of their land and no or limited access to water for irrigation, still they continue to cultivate and farm. It is their way of showing that this land belongs to them.
“In farming, every field has flowers and thorns. You can either see the thorns and put your hands up [in surrender] or see the flowers and weed your way through. I see a lot of flowers in Palestine. That generates a lot of promise.”
Nasser Abufarha
The author highlights the extraordinary efforts of educators, teachers, and officials who are spreading knowledge and shaping the minds of Palestinian youth. These individuals are not only imparting education but also instilling a powerful message – “to live for Palestine rather than to die for her”.
One particularly inspiring story is that of Hanan Al-Hroub, who spent her childhood in a refugee camp and whose husband and children were shot by Israeli soldiers. Despite the hardships and personal loss, she created a learning sanctuary for second-grade students and became a hope for many. Her dedication ultimately earned her the prestigious $1 million Global Teacher Prize award.
Like Al-Hroub, many teachers, artists, and officials are working tirelessly to foster a culture of learning in Palestine, building resilience through education. Each story in the book is a testament to the strength, determination, and unwavering spirit of Palestinians.
Every Palestinian child is exposed, directly or indirectly, to violence, maybe in his immediate environment, and through TV, websites, and social media he sees the violence of Israeli occupation. The images of violence affect his behavior, his way of thinking, feelings, outlook, and choices. If he doesn’t find help, his whole life will be changed. His choices for the future will be determined by these forces that surround him.”
Hannan Al-Hroub
Teachers like Al-Hroub provide that crucial ‘help’ to the children and youth of Palestine.
The chapter titled “Beautiful Resistance” is incredibly inspiring. It highlights how artists and entrepreneurs persevere through destruction, sending a powerful message to the world that they remain steadfast despite the challenges of occupation and violence. Theater groups, ballet academies, and breweries symbolize this enduring resistance. Although managing and sustaining these endeavors come with significant obstacles, people continue to make them thrive. Before reading this book, I could never have imagined that Palestine was home to theater groups or producing its beer.
“Not everyone understands conflict and being under occupation. But in order to get the sense of Palestinian people to other people who have never been under occupation, you have to reach them through something relatable – like music, food, and beer. That is something people can understand. They understand that we are normal people, and we are living, and we need basic human rights like anyone else in the world. And we drink beer and eat and dance, along with all other enjoyment of life.”
Madees Khoury
Every chapter of the book is filled with captivating and inspiring stories, complemented by detailed information that offers readers a glimpse into life under occupation. The author weaves these narratives with remarkable skill, enriching them with deep insight into Palestine and the experiences of its people. The book sets a thoughtful context and foundation, enabling readers to grasp the nuances of the conflict and truly appreciate each story
This book is an essential read to understand the daily realities faced by ordinary Palestinians living under Israeli occupation.
About The Author
Marda Dunsky, assistant professor in residence at Northwestern University in Qatar, is a print journalist and journalism scholar. Her research focuses on underreported aspects of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Her teaching focuses on best practices of reporting and writing. She has taught global journalism on the faculty of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University and has held editing and reporting positions at the Chicago Tribune and Jerusalem Post. She is the author of Pens and Swords: How the American Mainstream Media Report the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, among other works.
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