Interviews with Radical Palestinian Women

by The Shoal Collective

Compiled by Shoal Collective, this series of interviews with Palestinian women covers their struggles on all fronts – against colonialism, white supremacy, conservatism, patriarchy, state control – and occupation.

The idea for this book came out of a concern that solidarity movements have a tendency only to engage with Palestinians about their fight against the Israeli occupation. Sometimes this can be a barrier to seeing them as comrades in our intersecting struggles.

10 radical Palestinian women spoke to the authors between 2018-2021. Listening to their voices will help people outside of Palestine better understand them as allies in our global struggles for freedom.

Genres: Nonfiction, Feminism, History, Race, Religion, Politics

158 pages, Paperback

Published August 31, 2021

Reviews

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a collection of interviews with Palestinian women involved in activism and resistance against Israeli occupation and for global liberation. 7 women are interviewed, they live across the West Bank, Gaza, and one essay from woman from Gaza currently living in the UK. There is a note at the beginning about some of the barriers and limitations in these interviews, related to language, whether that be terminology used or translation, which I think was very helpful context. It's so important to be listening to Palestinian voices right now and MANY voices, as there is as much diversity of thought as one should expect, but doesn't see in education, mainstream media and pop culture. Even within 7 interviews there is a wide range of thoughts and experiences. I really recommend picking this up, in addition to other books like Light in Gaza and They Called Me a Lioness etc, to hear more from Palestinians living in Palestine about their own experiences in their own words. I could have read much longer interviews with each of the women interviewed, really glad this collection exists.

This book is available as a free PDF download from shoal collective dot org. I got a physical copy from AK Press.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

enjoyed feels like the wrong word to describe how i feel ab this book, but it was really good and very interesting. i’m a sucker for anything that talks to the people directly impacted so five stars immediately. fav interviews: lina nabulsy, lama suleiman, amal awad, ghada hamdan, and zara. don’t currently have any particularly intelligent thoughts other than i liked the diversity of people interviewed like queer women and journalists and doctors and farmers, etc. anarchist bookstore slay

[Isidora Durán · Rating 5 out of 5]

Illuminating collection of interviews with radical Palestinian women living in and outside the green lines as well as in the diaspora. Really made me think about how much Palestinian voices are missing in the international solidarity movement that grew in the past year. Points about the Israeli State being necessarily genocidal, the impact of BLM on de-Zionising US consciousness and others that have been argued over by Western activists in the past year were definite and essential in the minds of these women before the 2023 genocide began. All I can think of now is where they are, how they are, and how there can be no free Palestine without incredible individuals such as these at the helm.

[David Heredero · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I began thinking about the Great March of Return in Gaza, I started connecting it to what I had been reading, and I started to see that people [participating in the march] still have that nostalgic vision of Palestine, and aren't willing to let go of it. They still thought that it was a place to which they can return.

That realisation had a lot of sadness in it. [The marchers] are attached to returning to somehwere that doesn't exist any more"

Lama Suleiman

[M]

“Interviews With Radical Palestinian Women” edited by the Shoal Collective explores the thoughts of ten activists on various subjects, from their experiences living under occupation in Palestine, their criticisms of Western NGOs and Western feminism, to their understanding of their own struggle as internationalist, anti-capitalist and feminist (though not always under these specific labels). The interviews were taken between 2018 - 2021 and follow people living in Gaza, the West Bank, Israel or the UK, and the end of the book also offers a helpful glossary of events, places, terms and Palestinian movements. I really recommend reading, for obvious reasons, including to get a better grasp of the importance of Palestinian liberation for feminist movements anywhere - currently the book is offered as a free PDF online by @akpress.

“I don’t want to fight for another capitalist form of colony. [...] It’s not just about ending the occupation. It’s much more global than that.” - Lina Nabulsy, p. 9

“I remember talking to a friend at the time, and they said to me, “the occupation could destroy your house, they could put you in prison, but something they can’t destroy is your hope. If they do manage to destroy your hope that means you are occupied. If they don’t manage it, you are above the occupation”” - Sireen Khudairy, p. 30

“We also see refugees, including Palestinians, dying at the shorelines and borders of the EU due to xenophobic policies. The use of hard power is an indication that hegemonic systems are weakened, and it’s also opening people’s eyes to what’s really happening. If you’re safe today you might not be tomorrow.” - Shahid Abusalama, p. 53

“Before the end of the Ottoman Empire, there were a lot of people talking about the decentralisation of the empire. There was talk about all of the different Arab, non-Arab, and various religious communities across the empire having equal rights, and becoming citizens of the empire. There were discussions about decentralizing power from Istanbul, and for every region of the empire to have its own [autonomy]. [...] There was a huge spectrum of ideas.” - Lama Suleiman, p. 60

“All women have their suffering. Every time our tears dry we get more tears. But despite all the difficulties we continue smiling. I hope that I am succeeding in showing the voice of Palestinian society from a woman’s perspective because it is always men who talk about this. Now my camera is my weapon.” - Faiza Abu Shamsiyah, p. 82

“We refuse de idea that Israel is a safe haven for Palestinian gays, because it’s not true. They’re still oppressing us and they’re still a big part of our daily challenges. Pink-washing is a way to turn the attention away from Israel being the occupier and instead talk about Israel as this really gay-friendly state.” - Amal Awad, p. 86

“The camera is the first line of defence.” - Rana Abu Rahmah, p. 96

“In the last few years NGOs have really spread here in Palestine and have brought their own language. Words like ‘development’ and ‘strategic’. They’re using language brought from the outside and the language is also occupying us and taking away from our own language and vocabulary.” - Ghada Hamdan, p. 101

“Our existence is resistence [...] Wherever you are occupied, you have the right to resist. When, where and how is up to the Palestinian people to decide.” - Mona Al-Farra, p.113

“What remains is rage. What remains is literature. Those are our monuments, and we must protect them fiercely. As a Palestinian, I am forever indebted to Black revolutionary thought to form my discursive political frameworks.” - Izdihar Afyouni, p. 128

[Henry Eberhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was phenomenal and heart breaking and incredibly inspiring. If you are invested in revolutionary hope for Palestine read this. The bravery of these organizers and their lens on the world is mind altering. Interviews are such a powerful medium, one of my favorite I think

[Sofia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great collection of interviews.
It gave me the opportunity to hear the voices I so desperately wanted to hear from this conflict / war.

It really answered many of my questions.

If you feel you know some about what's happening to Palestine and Palestinians. This book is the little extra you need.

Highly recommended 🍉🍉🍉

[kath j · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I want a completely different world. I want liberation. A world where respect is returned to humanity in all forms and colours. Where people are allowed to be who they are without living in fear…
…If we die in the process of fighting for this world, then at least we have died fighting the good fight. The moment we stop believing we can get to this utopia then we don’t have anything left to fight for. **Why would you take another breath if you didn’t believe anything can change?**”

[Sari Hellara Hernández · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very relevant! An awesome intersectional introduction to Palestine's struggle for freedom and the empowering radical Palestinian women that fight for it.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most important book I have read this year.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book because it moves beyond a discussion of just the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

Most of the women interviewed also give their opinions about feminism, several tell of their vision of a socialist state, several discuss the status of LGBT people in Palestine, and one women points out that the Palestinians could learn a great deal from the Kurdish freedom moement and its anti-state/anti-nationalist stance.

It was sad although not a surprise that repeatedly, the women interviewed have a low opinion of the Palestinian Authority (PA) due to their current role as an enforcing arm of the Israelis. There is also little hope expressed regarding the political situation in Gaza in 2021.

This book came from an excellent bookstore in Chicago: Pilsen Community Books.

[Daisy Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is so important to hear the voices of Palestinian women. They have such an important perspective to share. This book offered not only deep insights into the realities of being not just Palestinian, but also a woman in Palestine. Each story shared was different, but each shared a vision of hope, of a radically different world where every single person is empowered through collective liberation.

[Elle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so deeply moved by this book. Loved loved loved getting to hear so many female Palestinian voices, each with such unque experiences. I love how the book featured voices from the West Bank, Gaza, inside '48 as well as refugees in the diaspora. Together the threads weaved together so powerfully. The interview style was so conversational and open and I have learned so much in this short compilation alone. I highly recommend it.

[Mollie Bolton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an informative, inspirational and obviously heartbreaking read. Inspirational to read about so many insanely strong Palestinian women who have been fighting the colonisation and occupation for years and years, and speaking up for their people, land and basic human rights.

The fact that people still truly believe that this all started on October 7 2023 is insane. The Zionist regime truly has millions of people brainwashed. Free Palestine 🇵🇸

[Charlie HS · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has really encouraged me to go futher. One common thread between the interviewees was the affirmation that the BDS campaign works. This is encouraging me to once again inform people of what BDS is, why it is necessary and why it is effective.
**If you are reading this**, please use your purchasing power wisely. You are what you buy. Don't give your money to apartheid/climate change/femicide. This is the easiest way to practice what you believe in.
https://bdsmovement.net/

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

VERY cool read. A collection of insights and experiences from a wide range of perspectives, from freedom fighters to student organizers. The spirit of resistance is alive in these stories. #FreePalestine

[Elif Deniz · Rating 4 out of 5]

It ws really hard reading this after 300 days of apartheid and deconstruction and genocide. Everything is much worse now.
I like the interviews but there is always editors and/or interviewers voice in the back ground.
Western people really do not know when it is not their turn to talk

[Saru · Rating 5 out of 5]

Necessary.
It is specially necessary because we mainly hear male voices, female voices are usually silenced in these contexts. We do not get to hear the abuse women suffer for being women that just adds to the suffering of being Palestinians.
We need, have to, hear their voices.

[caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 - first introduction into Palestinian literature and definitely glad I read the book. Easily digestible because it’s made for everyone to understand. Humanizes the often distant struggle of Palestinians. Prioritizes the perspectives of women in an often male-dominated space.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Critical perspectives on a pre 10/7 Palestine. Each woman's story provides a personal, lived insight into the struggle for survival, continued perseverance and insistent persistence to live under brutal occupation.

[Bex · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just want to stress how easy this book is to read. I read it in one sitting and you can get a digital copy for free. It's easily worth a couple of hours of your time.

[Caitlin O'Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

badass women 🤝🏼 caitlin 🤝🏼 palestine
🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸

[D. Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

“And if one of us is still in prison, then none of us are free.”
painful but insightful and stunningly hopeful read. i learnt more from this than any news source. absolutely vital reading!
(4.75/5)

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned a lot from these interviews with Palestinian women fighting for their lives and dignity.