(Reviewed by JD Jung)
“I think the real occupying forces are the internal ones, Hamas, Fatah, the parties…then comes the major occupation: Israel. We can’t get rid of the latter without first of all getting rid of the former. To be honest, we are being subjected to a siege of the mind that is much more important than the siege on the borders.”
Palestinian writer and journalist Asmaa al-Ghoul shares her experiences and life in Gaza in her heart-wrenching memoir, A Rebel in Gaza: Behind the Lines of the Arab Spring, One Woman’s Story . At only thirty years of age and twice divorced with two children, Asmaa fought and continues to fight against the extreme Islamic laws of Hamas with their gender segregation, so-called “crimes of honor” and banning of the arts. She abhors the political corruption of Fatah and condemns the “criminal inhumanity” of Israel. She also criticizes human rights organizations and Western countries that ignore what is going on in Gaza.
Growing up poor in the Rafah refugee camps, she was a victim of both Israeli raids and Hamas’ strict laws. Her father, who had to go to the Emirates for work, supported the ideas of his rebellious daughter. However, she publicly opposed a close uncle who was a commander in the Hamas forces. Later multiple members of her family were killed in an Israeli air raid.
Asmaa refuses to be silenced and will not compromise her rights or beliefs. Amidst all of this, she has received multiple death threats and was put in prison and beaten by a Hamas policewoman.
She provides many stories that demonstrate national pride and she praises other writers who fight for freedom, such as Israeli journalist Gideon Levy.
Though she is a journalist, this book is written in a very personal and literary fashion. She shares the warmth of the people of Gaza when they are not at war. Unfortunately, Gazans often turn against each other, expressing their rage and helplessness. They are victims of Islamic extremism and many go along with it just to stay alive.
A Rebel in Gaza moved me so much but filled me with so much anger and sadness. Though Asmaa presents some solutions, I am less optimistic. As an American, I must admit that my head was in the sand. Yes, I am aware of the Israeli air strikes in retaliation for Hamas’ actions. However, A Rebel in Gaza reinforces how it’s not Hamas that suffers, but the people who just want to live their lives.
I want to thank Asmaa al-Ghoul for opening my eyes. All readers who claim to be compassionate should read A Rebel in Gaza.
