I am a Palestinian writer and journalist from Gaza, as well as an advocate for Arab culture and human rights. Since 2020, I have taught Arabic as a second language, initially with NaTakallam and more recently at Bard College. I nearly graduated from Al-Aqsa University in Gaza with a degree in English Literature and Education Methods before my studies were interrupted by the war. Through a full scholarship, Bard College enabled me to continue my education, where I am currently pursuing a degree in Human Rights and Written Arts with a concentration in Middle Eastern Studies.
Since 2019, my work has been published in leading outlets including The Los Angeles Times, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Middle East Eye, Washington Report on Middle East Affairs, Le Monde, Electronic Intifada, and Mondoweiss. My career is deeply rooted in civic engagement and community development. At Bard College, I serve as Volunteer Corps Coordinator at the Center for Civic Engagement and conduct research at the Center for Indigenous Studies. I also have been working as a Company Management Assistant for Fisher Center at Bard.
In 2024, after surviving the genocide in Gaza, I was invited by the Carter Center’s Human Rights Program to represent Gaza at the 13th Human Rights Defenders Forum. I have since continued to represent Gaza at major international conferences addressing imperialism, colonialism, and human rights, including events at Fordham Prep, the Friends Committee on National Legislation Annual Gathering 2024, and the University of São Paulo and many others.
It is a tragic reality that hateful ideology has found fertile ground online and offline, with consequences affecting not only Americans but people around the world. We cannot stand idle in the face of bias, bigotry, and extremism. Together, at the Eradicate Hate Summit and beyond, the collective will of individuals and organizations is needed to galvanize all people of good will to protect and defend our communities.
