When the world talks about Palestinians living under occupation and in refugee camps, it is usually in terms of politics and numbers – specifically, how many killed, injured, homeless, and/or dependent on aid.
But numbers are impersonal, and often numbing. What they don’t convey are the daily personal struggles and triumphs, the tears and the laughter, the aspirations that are so universal that if it weren’t for the context, they would immediately resonate with virtually everyone.
That’s why established and aspiring “word artists” from around the world have joined with youth in Gaza, and now, Lebanon, to create “WE ARE NOT NUMBERS.” Through this platform, we share and celebrate their stories, with experienced authors mentoring the youth.
We Are Not Numbers was founded in early 2015, “conceived” by American journalist Pam Bailey and brought to fruition with the support of Ramy Abdu, board chair for the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor. The project launched under the umbrella of Euro-Med, which provided significant logistical support; today, our fiscal sponsor is Nonviolence International.
You can read more about how We Are Not Numbers began in these two essays:
We Are Not Numbers: New project helps Gaza writers tell their story
‘We Are Not Numbers’: New project connects young writers in Gaza to the world
– See more at: https://wearenotnumbers.org/home/About
