Hekmat Al-Taweel (1922–2008) was a native Palestinian Christian
from Gaza City whose narrative unearths a version of history long
excluded from mainstream discourse and provides an unfamiliar
perspective on Muslim–Christian relationships. Her stories about
life in Gaza highlight shared history, vibrant culture, and cherished
traditions. Al-Taweel continued her education after marriage, sought
community volunteer work, worked as a teacher and supervisor, and
committed to activism throughout her life, all of which contradicts
widespread Western orientalized stereotypes of Arab women. She also
shares insights into life in Gaza during the British Mandate period
as well as the 1948 Nakba and its aftermath. This is the third book
in the Women’s Voices from Gaza Series, which honours
women’s unique and underrepresented perspectives on the social,
material, and political realities of Palestinian life.
