TEHRÎR BENÎ SEXIR

Ramallah- As the struggle of the Palestinian people has continued for a century, their demands are a freely, equally, and fairly life in their lands to determine their own destiny. The ongoing war between Israel and Palestine has caused many problems faced by Palestinian people, particularly by women. Palestinian women, who defend their existence, identity, and freedom under all conditions, have stood at the forefront of the resistance to live in their lands occupied by Israel.

“We deal with problems faced by women”

Zihûr Ebû Meyala is the chairperson of the Women’s Association for Life, Equality, and Democracy and she is an active women’s rights defender. Zihûr Ebû Meyala lives in the Sur Bahir village of Jerusalem. The association founded by her aims to encourage women to participate in social life and to find solutions to problems faced by women. Founded in 2015, the association is one of the important spaces for Palestinian women living in Jerusalem. We interviewed Zihûr Ebû Meyala about the founding purposes of the association and its works. “As several of the women, we founded the association but then our number increased. Now it is one of the important spaces for women living in Jerusalem. We deal with domestic problems faced by women and we carry out works for the education of children,” Zihûr Ebû Meyala told us.

“Despite pressures, we have succeeded in many things”

Zihûr Ebû Meyala told us that they have succeeded in many things and that they also organize cultural and artistic activities within the association and deliver aid to women, children, and families in need. Zihû Abu Meyala mentioned that they also carry out awareness-raising activities through seminars on the problems faced by women and children. She told us that they have faced serious financial problems and pressures from Israeli intelligence agencies. “Our biggest problem is the financial problem. And we have been under constant pressure from the Israeli intelligence service. Our association’s members and employees are often detained or arrested for carrying out the association’s works. But we never give up even if we face pressures and problems. We are determined to carry out our works despite all challenges,” said Meyala.

“I have been detained many times but never give up”

Zihûr Ebû Meyala is determined to keep working despite all problems and challenges. She told us she would keep working for Palestinian people and women, “I have been detained and arrested many times. Israel banned me from participating in several activities, my house was targeted. But I never give up working and struggling.”

Unity message to women: Jerusalem belongs to us

Zihûr Ebû Meyala said that the Israeli authorities do not allow any activity in Jerusalem, “But despite all pressures, I am a strong woman and I founded an association in Jerusalem and the association will continue to support women. I would like to send a message to Palestinian women and women around the world, ‘Jerusalem belongs to us. If we are united, we can overcome all the problems and obstacles.”