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Gaza Mama: Politics & Parenting in Palestine
Gaza Mama is both a personal diary and a selection of political articles written on her blog and for various news agencies by a young mother in Gaza. It is a window into the life of a busy journalist and a caring mother, a spectator observing, and most importantly, an actor living Gaza from the outside in.
How does a mother explain the complex reality of Gaza to her own young children, rightly perplexed at the attitude of visa authorities, the threats of Israeli soldiers and the pain and unbelonging experienced by those around them, for a homeland they are often denied entry to and seldom see? How can a journalist cover the story of her homeland objectively , while it is being bombed and occupied, its occupants imprisoned and dispossesed?
El-Haddad s book is the story of a Gazan, life and blood, reporting on Palestinian politics and elections, massacres and border controls, and Israel s 22-day bombardment and blockade of Gaza in 2008-2009, the infamous Operation Cast Lead.
How does a mother explain the complex reality of Gaza to her own young children, rightly perplexed at the attitude of visa authorities, the threats of Israeli soldiers and the pain and unbelonging experienced by those around them, for a homeland they are often denied entry to and seldom see? How can a journalist cover the story of her homeland objectively , while it is being bombed and occupied, its occupants imprisoned and dispossesed?
El-Haddad s book is the story of a Gazan, life and blood, reporting on Palestinian politics and elections, massacres and border controls, and Israel s 22-day bombardment and blockade of Gaza in 2008-2009, the infamous Operation Cast Lead.
288 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
May 12, 2013
In this book, Laila al-Haddad chronicles her experience as a mother, a journalist, a political analyst, an activist caught in the crossfire of Israel-Gaza politics. Humorous at times, disheartening at others, al-Haddad's narratives are our guide into the cruel realities of Israeli occupation. She recounts the stories of her fellow Gazans with a human voice-—not coldly reported, and never straying from authentic facts. It was an absolute privilege meeting her and reading her book.
December 31, 2024
This book is a powerful and deeply personal account that offers a raw, unfiltered perspective on life under occupation in Gaza. Through her poignant writing and vivid storytelling, El Haddad brings to life the daily struggles, frustrations, generational trauma and resilience of Palestinians living under siege. The book paints a realistic reflection of what it means to navigate ordinary routines—raising children, buying food, and maintaining hope—in the face of extraordinary hardships like constant military incursions, blockades, and international neglect.
What makes this book particularly impactful is El Haddad’s ability to connect the personal with the political. By interweaving her own experiences as a mother, journalist, and activist with the broader realities of Gaza, she humanizes the suffering and resilience of an often-misrepresented people. From the scarcity of basic necessities to the psychological toll of violence and uncertainty, she captures the multifaceted challenges of life in an occupied territory with nuance and grace.
This book is not only a testament to El Haddad’s strength and voice but also an essential narrative that demands to be heard. It sheds light on truths often obscured by mainstream media, offering a window into a reality the world cannot afford to ignore.
I would highly recommend Gaza Mom to anyone who seeks to understand the human cost of occupation and the indomitable spirit of those who endure it. It is a crucial read that compels readers to empathize, learn, and advocate for justice.
What makes this book particularly impactful is El Haddad’s ability to connect the personal with the political. By interweaving her own experiences as a mother, journalist, and activist with the broader realities of Gaza, she humanizes the suffering and resilience of an often-misrepresented people. From the scarcity of basic necessities to the psychological toll of violence and uncertainty, she captures the multifaceted challenges of life in an occupied territory with nuance and grace.
This book is not only a testament to El Haddad’s strength and voice but also an essential narrative that demands to be heard. It sheds light on truths often obscured by mainstream media, offering a window into a reality the world cannot afford to ignore.
I would highly recommend Gaza Mom to anyone who seeks to understand the human cost of occupation and the indomitable spirit of those who endure it. It is a crucial read that compels readers to empathize, learn, and advocate for justice.
August 12, 2023
I can’t believe it took me so long to read this book.
Even though her experiences and her reporting is from 2006, Haddad’s writing is a crucial perspective that informs us on what is still happening today.
Haddad’s interweaving of her personal story and her journalism makes this book an excellent read!
This book is timeless. And will give you a thorough understanding of Gaza between 2004 and 2010!
Highly recommend!!
Even though her experiences and her reporting is from 2006, Haddad’s writing is a crucial perspective that informs us on what is still happening today.
Haddad’s interweaving of her personal story and her journalism makes this book an excellent read!
This book is timeless. And will give you a thorough understanding of Gaza between 2004 and 2010!
Highly recommend!!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews