NAGHAM KARAJEH

Gaza- The ongoing war in Gaza causes the mass destruction of life and widespread suffering but it also reveals the stories of resistance and sacrifice of Palestinian women. Palestinian women teach important life lessons by overcoming challenges by being in solidarity with each other.

Zarifa Shaheen is one of the Palestinian women writing stories that change not only their own lives but also the lives of others.

The war that started in Gaza on October 7, 2023, tests the Palestinians with patience and the struggle for survival.

‘There was only one option: Achieve the impossible’

When the Israeli warplanes were flying over Gaza in May 2024, Zarifa Shaheen faced the biggest test of her life; she was injured in her right shoulder and her husband was also injured. They called for help but in vain. At that moment, there was only one option for her to survive: Achieve the impossible.

“I did not have time to think,” said Zarifa Shaheen. “I looked around to find something in order to stop the bleeding. I found some torn pieces of cloth and a needle. I had to stitch my husband’s wound or I would lose him.” Zarifa managed to stitch her husband’s wound. After bandaging her own wound, she carried her husband to a hospital.”

‘I built my house with my own hands’

The resistance of Zarifa did not start after the war. She had built her house with her own hands for years. However, her house was destroyed in an Israeli airstrike in seconds. “I saw how my house was destroyed in seconds. I did not cry because crying would not change anything. I knew that I had to stand firm despite everything.”

Before the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip, Zarifa had an online channel, publishing videos showing how women can sew, cook, manage their home and achieve their financial independence. “Every day, I think of the women following my channel. I think of how they are and if they lose their hope. But I cannot do anything for them. I feel like I have lost my voice.”

Zarifa thinks that war is not only painful but also a turning point. After her recovery, she began to visit hospitals to help and support injured women. “I talked to them and made them feel that they were not alone in their struggle to survive. I saw the same suffering in their eyes. I will be their voice.”

‘I will stand firm no matter how strong the wind is’

After one year and seven months, Zarifa Shaheen is much stronger and more determined than before. “I will stand firm no matter how strong the wind is. I know that Palestinian women are stronger and they will overcome all challenges faced by them.”