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palestine

Spanish Women Athletes Lead First Official Boycott of Israeli Team

by خانم هاشمی September 29, 2025

The women’s basketball club Lointek Gernika from Spain has announced it will refuse to play against the Israeli team Elitzur Ramla in the EuroCup Women, in protest of Israel’s actions in Gaza. The club’s president has called on FIBA to respond.

A Historic Stand Against Confrontation

Spanish media reports that Lointek Gernika is the first team to formally withdraw from a match against an Israeli opponent in protest. The club was scheduled to face Elitzur Ramla in the group stage of EuroCup Women.

According to statements from the Gernika leadership, the club will not take part in any fixtures against Israeli teams. The decision is portrayed as a moral stance against what they call a “genocide” in Gaza, and the club is urging international sports bodies to act accordingly.

Club Officially Rejects Matches, Requests FIBA Action

Gerardo Candina, president of Lointek Gernika, declared:

“We will not take part in matches against Israeli teams; one must oppose genocide in Gaza, and FIFA/FIBA must respond.”

Though the club’s decision was initially put forward by its president, it is pending final approval by the board of directors. The team expects possible sanctions from FIBA, including forfeiture of matches.

Implications and Reactions

The scheduled matches versus Elitzur Ramla were set for October 23 (away) and November 27 (home).
The club acknowledges the risks involved, including punitive measures that could affect its European participation.
Local and regional organizations, such as Gernika-Palestina, have voiced support for the club’s stance.
Sporting bodies in the Basque region and broader Spain are discussing the decision and potential consequences.

The Spanish women’s club Lointek Gernika thus becomes the first known sports team to formally enact a boycott of an Israeli opponent, marking a provocative moment in the intersection of sports and geopolitics. Beyond the competitive arena, the move is also being framed as a stand for humanity, signaling that compassion and justice must remain at the heart of global sport.

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From: diario AS

September 29, 2025 0 comment

Europe

Leading Figures in the Global Sumud Flotilla

by خانم هاشمی September 17, 2025

As the genocidal war in Gaza unfolded, women became a moral compass for the movement. Many joined the Global Sumud Flotilla — a people’s maritime effort to break the blockade and reach Gaza — not only as participants but as organizers and leaders in a global show of solidarity.

A symbolic global uprising

According to Banfsj — a Palestinian news outlet active in women’s issues and women’s participation in Arab societies — their solidarity in participation, organization, and leadership embodied genuine resistance and mutual aid that transcended political alignments and geographic borders, carrying forth the banners of humanity and justice. The Global Sumud Flotilla was more than just an aid convoy; it became a global popular movement involving dozens of politicians, human rights activists, artists, and academics from more than 40 countries.

Women not only onboard but in leadership

Women in the Global Sumud Flotilla were not merely passengers — they held responsibilities for organizing and guiding the mission. Among the most prominent figures were Mariana Mortágua, Portuguese MP and leading left-wing figure, who used her parliamentary immunity as a safeguard for the flotilla; Greta Thunberg, the Swedish climate activist; Ada Colau, former mayor of Barcelona; Haifa Al-Mansouri, a Tunisian activist and member of the steering committee; and Khaldiya Aboubakria, a Palestinian-Spanish activist who founded the “Women of Dignity Palestine” movement in Spain in 2017.

Mariana Mortágua

Mariana Mortágua — a well-known Portuguese Member of Parliament who places humanitarian concerns at the forefront — has expressed strong belief that the Global Sumud Flotilla will succeed thanks to its diverse participants and global political support. She condemned the passive stance of many European governments toward the situation in Gaza and sharply criticized Israeli actions. Before departing Barcelona toward the flotilla’s launch, she said: “When Israel kills the Palestinian people outside the law, it is not only children who are killed — international law, humanitarian law, the security of nations, and humanity itself are being murdered… That is why the Palestinian people, by resisting, are saving us.” Mortágua insisted that solidarity is stronger than any government or army, that breaking the blockade of Gaza is both a moral and humanitarian obligation, and she refuses to be deterred by the drones trailing the ships.

Greta Thunberg

Greta Thunberg has framed Palestine as a moral issue, warning that silence in the face of what is happening in Gaza amounts to complicity in genocide. Ahead of boarding a ship bound for Gaza, she said: “Here is a story being told of how people are deprived even of the most basic necessities in Gaza, and everyone has a duty to do something for Gaza.” She emphasized the importance of using every available tool to reach Gaza and stated that if Israel stops the flotilla, the plan is to return and try again. “This is an honorable and humanitarian mission,” she said. She accused Israel of intentionally destroying the Palestinian people and condemned global silence about genocide in Gaza. Thunberg also called Gaza a clear example of genocide, repression, and ethnic cleansing. In a message to Mariana Mortágua via TikTok, she said: “Giving up is not an option for us; we have promised the Palestinians that we will continue the struggle and break the blockade.”

Ada Colau

Ada Colau, former mayor of Barcelona and a strong advocate for Palestinian rights, argues that peaceful participation is a legitimate right and can pressure governments into taking concrete action. She stated that the organization of international groups forced previously passive institutions to take a stand against what she describes as Israel’s killing of children and violation of international law. “Gaza is not alone,” she declared, “and we will continue our path to break the blockade.”

Haifa Al-Mansouri

Haifa Al-Mansouri, a Tunisian civil society activist and a member of the steering committee of the Global Sumud Flotilla, is one of the key coordinators behind cross-border efforts. She says that initiatives like the flotilla aim to open a humanitarian corridor to Gaza, break the siege, and stop genocide against Gaza’s residents. Before the ship’s departure she called it “a major humanitarian rendezvous,” insisting every initiative, however small, can make a difference for Gaza.

Khaldiya Aboubakria

Khaldiya Aboubakria, a Palestinian-born activist living in Spain, said immediately upon joining the flotilla: “This is my trip to Palestine; with the flotilla of freedom I return to break Gaza’s siege and expose the occupier’s crimes to the world.” She founded the “Women of Dignity Palestine” movement in Spain in 2017 to amplify the voices of Palestinian women in the struggle for freedom and return. Active in boycott and sanction campaigns, she believes the diaspora must accept its responsibility to its people, saying their fate is one, and this flotilla — which she insists will break the blockade — is a cry against genocide and repression.

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September 17, 2025 0 comment

Africa

Megan Choritz: The Jewish Star Who Challenged Zionism in South Africa

by خانم هاشمی September 12, 2025

From her modest home in Cape Town, Megan Choritz, a Jewish South African, has emerged as one of her country’s most vocal anti-Zionist activists. Despite threats, social exile, and harsh criticism—including accusations of being a “self-hating Jew”—she refuses to back down. Her art, her writing, and her identity are all intertwined with her conviction that Palestine deserves freedom and justice.

Early Awakening under Apartheid

Born in Johannesburg and raised in a middle-class, Zionist Jewish household during the height of South Africa’s apartheid era, Choritz always felt a duality. On one hand, her family identified strongly with Zionism; on the other, the daily realities of racial segregation, discrimination, and injustice shaped her moral sensibilities.

Her family’s connection to Israel—several relatives emigrated there, and her parents had once lived in a kibbutz through the Zionist youth movement Habonim—juxtaposed against her own upbringing in apartheid South Africa, laid the groundwork for her critical perspective. A trip to Israel, intended to deepen her Zionist identity, instead helped clarify her doubts. At Jewish school, Choritz began to question what she was being taught, but lacked the language then to challenge it.

Theatre, Writing, and Finding Voice

Choritz studied at the University of Cape Town, graduated in 1986 with a Bachelor of Arts and a diploma in performance/theatre. She pursued a career in theatre—acting, directing, creating improvisational groups, and founding an improv troupe that expanded into industrial theatre and workshops.

In 2007 she started a blog called Megan’s Head, which has since evolved into a Substack platform. What began as theatre reviews turned into political commentary—especially around Palestine. During the COVID-19 lockdowns she transitioned into fiction, producing her first novel Lost Property in 2023, which draws heavily from autobiographical elements and her experiences growing up under apartheid. This work was nominated in 2025 for the DALRO-Can Themba Award, a major literary prize in South Africa.

October 7, 2023 and the Escalation

According to Choritz, the events following October 7, 2023, marked a turning point. Though she had long been outspoken against Zionism, she says her views had often been ignored or marginalized by the Zionist Jewish community. The escalation of the conflict made it impossible for her to remain silent. She now believes her voice must be loud, even if it makes her “utterly intolerable” to those who disagree.

Identity, Conflict, and Resistance

One of Choritz’s core beliefs is that being Jewish does not equate to supporting Zionism. She frames Jewish identity as culture, religion, and ethics—not nationalism or territorial claims. She has become more committed to this distinction since taking public anti-Zionist positions.

Her condemnation of Zionism is unequivocal: she describes it as a colonial, ethno-nationalist, racist, supremacist ideology. She argues that Jews do not need a “special homeland,” and that Zionism’s demand for one necessarily entails the dispossession and oppression of Palestinians.

The Cost of Speaking Out

Standing against the dominant narrative has come with heavy costs for Choritz:

She has been smeared, called names like “kapo” (a charged term with Holocaust connotations), “self-hating Jew,” “Hamas terrorist.”
She has received death threats and rape threats.
She has experienced physical harassment in public, especially in Jewish-populated areas of Cape Town, such as Sea Point and Gardens.
Her relationships with family have fractured; she often finds little support from relatives who disagree with her political stance.

Confrontation and Public Protest

A significant recent episode occurred in April 2025 when Choritz was excluded from participating in a Jewish Literary Festival in Cape Town. The organizers said her views were “too extreme” for their “neutral, literary” event. In response, she staged a protest outside the Holocaust Museum with the sign: “Not Zionist Enough for the Jewish Literary Festival.” The protest drew widespread attention online and provoked both support and antagonism.

Looking Forward

Choritz remains active with South African Jews for a Free Palestine, participating in protests, vigils, and speaking events. She uses her theatre, her writing, and her presence in cultural forums to keep raising questions about justice, identity, and accountability.

Her message to Palestinians is clear: she holds them in her heart, is deeply sorry for what she sees as global inaction, and is resolved to keep fighting for a free, democratic Palestine—from the river to the sea.

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From: al jazeera

September 12, 2025 0 comment

opinion

Miss Palestine 2025: Beauty Pageant Amid War and Resistance

by خانم هاشمی September 5, 2025

These days, the introduction of Ms. Nadeen Ayoub as Miss Palestine in Miss Universe 2025 has gained wide attention on social media. The Miss Universe Organization, with its American roots and headquarters in New York, has declared that the purpose of holding the beauty pageant is to highlight “humanitarian issues and a voice for positive change in the world.”

✍|by Dr. rahimizadeh

Miss Universe’s Stated Goals

Considering the philosophy and performance history of this organization, its real goal has been an attempt to promote and strengthen a culture of nudity among girls and women under the banner of “positive change.” In a surprising move, this organization announced in July that Palestine would officially be recognized as one of the countries participating in its competition.

A Beauty Queen in the Midst of War

Even more surprising is that, in the middle of genocide and the mass killing of Palestinian women and children by the United States and the Zionist regime, for the first time a model and social activist named Nadeen Ayoub has been introduced as Miss Palestine to take part in Miss Universe 2025, which will be held on November 21 in Bangkok, Thailand. The news was widely shared across Palestinian and international social networks.

Whether Ms. Nadeen Ayoub is aware of the deeper goals behind this appointment or not, given the nature and record of the West—especially in Islamic countries—I always adopt a cautious and skeptical approach toward programs with Western origins. In this case too, I sense a hidden and ill-intentioned agenda against the culture of Palestinian resistance.

Why This Skepticism?

The concept of a Palestinian beauty queen does not align with the religion and traditional culture of the Palestinian people.
The widespread promotion of Miss Palestine in an international event seems like a multi-step plan aimed at testing, directing, normalizing, encouraging, sparking revolution, and ultimately gaining submission from Palestinian public opinion.
I see this as an effort to shift the model of the Palestinian woman—from today’s resistant, steadfast women who inspire struggle—toward future women and girls who, neglecting the values of resistance and Islam, will compete for beauty and attention. The result of such a process would be a transformation from substance and meaning into form and appearance.

The Cultural Battlefield

Palestinian resistance against the domination of the usurping regime (America and the West’s military base in the vital region of West Asia) is rooted in the culture of its people. It is therefore natural that the enemy would seek to wage war on the culture of resistance. Women not only make up half of society but are also the first educators of future generations of Palestinian resistance. Because of this central role, after decades of war, massacre, intimidation, and imprisonment without success in breaking the resistance, the enemy has now turned to cultural warfare with a feminine front.

Though this war appears to target the Palestinian woman, in reality its nature is to hollow out Palestinian society—especially its future generations—by stripping away the ideas and preference for resistance. This and similar projects are part of the soft war designed to erode the belief and power of Palestinian resistance through cultural strategies and operations.

Given the foundations of the resistance’s intellectual structure, constant awareness, careful planning, and timely action are essential conditions for the victory of Palestinian fighters in this field of battle against the enemy.

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From: fars

September 5, 2025 0 comment

Community

If This Makes Me a Terrorist Supporter, So Be It

by faeze mohammadi August 30, 2025

The renowned Irish author Sally Rooney, celebrated for her bestselling novel “Normal People,” has announced she will donate a portion of her earnings to the UK-banned organization Palestine Action, which is classified as a terrorist group by the British government, according to a report by the newspaper Libération.

As reported by Al Jazeera, the 34-year-old writer, known for her commitment to Palestinian rights and her focus on aiding Gaza, stated in an op-ed published over the weekend in The Irish Times: “I intend to use the income from my work and my significant public platform to support Palestine Action.”

The newspaper detailed that the author’s support will include a share of the revenue from television series adapted from her novels, which she receives from the BBC. The BBC has been involved in producing and broadcasting television adaptations of her globally successful novels “Normal People” and “Conversations with Friends.”

Rooney, who lives in Ireland, wrote: “In this context, I feel obligated to once again declare my support for the group Palestine Action, and if this makes me a terrorist supporter under British law, then so be it.”

The author, often described as the voice of the millennial generation and a self-declared Marxist, added: “I would have loved to publish this article in a British newspaper, but that has now become illegal.”

In 2021, Rooney, whose novels have sold millions of copies worldwide, refused to allow an Israeli publisher—considered to be very close to the government—to translate her third book, “Beautiful World, Where Are You?” into Hebrew, a move that sparked strong reactions within the Jewish community.

At the time, Rooney said that reports published by Human Rights Watch and the Israeli human rights organization B’Tselem “confirm what Palestinian human rights groups have long stated: that Israel’s regime qualifies as apartheid under international law.”

The newspaper noted that the organization Palestine Action was banned and added to the UK’s list of terrorist organizations in early July last year following acts of sabotage at an air force base. Over 700 people have been arrested, and approximately 60 will face trial for supporting the organization.

Numerous governmental and non-governmental organizations, including the United Nations, Greenpeace, and Amnesty International, have strongly condemned the ban on Palestine Action, warning that the arrest of its supporters threatens freedom of speech.

The founder of the organization, which aims to condemn Britain’s “complicity” with Israel, particularly regarding arms sales, has filed a legal appeal set to be reviewed this November.

Exclusive translation by Jahan Banou from Al Jazeera’s news source

August 30, 2025 0 comment

West Asia

Nada Hisham: A Voice Surviving Beneath Gaza’s Rubble

by خانم هاشمی August 25, 2025

Nada Hisham, a 19-year-old Palestinian from Gaza who lost seven members of her family in an Israeli attack and was barely rescued from beneath the rubble, shared her harrowing story at a charity event in Washington, urging the world to become a voice for justice in Gaza.

The Tragic Ordeal in Gaza

At an event hosted by the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF) in Washington, D.C., Nada Hisham recounted the bitter moments of her rescue after her home in Gaza was bombed. In that attack, seven of her siblings along with her grandmother were killed, while she herself lay trapped under the debris for hours—suffering broken legs and a dislocated shoulder.

A Sister’s Final Embrace

Nada described the final moments shared with her younger sister Elham: “Elham was embracing me, and she would not let go of my leg until her last breath.” It was a Palestinian journalist, Motaz Azaiza, whose photograph of that scene drew attention and led to her identification and rescue. The powerful image later became one of Time magazine’s top 10 photos of 2023.

Escape from Gaza for Treatment

Thanks to PCRF’s support, Nada was able to leave Gaza to receive medical care—a journey nearly impossible for many due to strict restrictions at the Rafah crossing and the need for coordination between Israel and Egypt.

Her story is not only a personal testimony of survival but also a piercing reminder of the countless unheard voices still trapped under the weight of war, whose lives and futures depend on the world’s willingness to act.

A Testament of Resilience

Nada concluded her remarks with a stirring testament to her spirit:
“Israel may have taken everything precious from me—my family, my home, my peace… but as long as I draw breath, it will never break my spirit.”

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August 25, 2025 0 comment

Politics

Time’s Girls of the Year 2025 List Ignores 9,000 Palestinian Victims

by خانم هاشمی August 21, 2025

As Time magazine releases its inaugural “Girls of the Year 2025” list—celebrating ten young female leaders across the globe—no name from the thousands of girls killed in Gaza appears. This omission is especially jarring given that over 9,000 Palestinian girls have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict.

Silence Amid Tragedy

Time’s new “Girls of the Year” feature spotlights young women aged 12 to 17—authors, athletes, innovators, advocates—who are making significant impacts in their communities. Honorees include Rutendo Shadaya, a 17-year-old author in New Zealand; Coco Yoshizawa, a Japanese Olympic gold-medalist; Rebecca Young, a 12-year-old UK innovator addressing homelessness; and others spanning France, Mexico, China, Germany, Poland, Turkey, and the U.S..

Despite the breadth of representation, not a single girl from Gaza—amid a conflict that has claimed the lives of at least 9,000 Palestinian girls and left over 15,000 more injured or maimed—is named.

A Viral Cry Goes Unanswered

This omission comes even as deeply moving scenes—like a video of a little Palestinian girl bringing food to her family moments before a bombing—have gone viral across social media platforms. Yet, sources of inspiration recognized by Time are all from geographically distant contexts, highlighting a stark and painful disconnect.

Numbers That Should Resonate

Humanitarian data underscores the severity: at least 9,000 Palestinian girls killed and over 15,000 injured or physically maimed amid the Gaza bombardments. These figures are more than statistics—they reflect lives, dreams, lost childhoods. Time’s absence of acknowledgment underscores a conscious overlooking of Gaza’s human suffering.

What This Omission Reveals

This absence from Time’s list isn’t just an editorial decision—it’s a reflection of broader neglect. While the magazine—and its partner LEGO, through the “She Built That” campaign—aims to bolster visibility for girls as builders and change-makers, the resiliency and tragedy of Gaza’s youngest victims remain invisible. The failure to include any of them highlights how selective narratives can silence those who carry the heaviest burdens.

Conclusion:
Time’s “Girls of the Year 2025” highlights remarkable young women—but in doing so, it also highlights its own blind spots. In a moment when thousands of girls are desperately needing recognition—not for their achievements, but for the very fact of their lives lost—their silence speaks volumes.

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From: iribnews

August 21, 2025 0 comment

Culture

Palestine’s Jinan Nabil at Malaysia International Quran Competition

by خانم هاشمی August 18, 2025

Jinan Nabil Nofal, a young Palestinian Quran memorizer, shares her journey and experience at the 65th International Quran Recitation and Memorization Assembly in Kuala Lumpur.

A Lifelong Dedication to the Quran

Jinan Nabil Mohammed Nofal, a 24-year-old Quran memorizer from Palestine, embarked on her Quran memorization journey at a young age. She committed to memorizing at least five to ten Juz (parts) of the Quran daily, aiming to make her parents proud. As the youngest of five siblings, Jinan’s dedication reflects her deep connection to the Quran and her family’s values.

Representing Palestine on the Global Stage

In August 2025, Jinan represented Palestine in the 65th International Quran Recitation and Memorization Assembly (MTHQA) held at the World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This prestigious event featured 71 participants from 49 countries, showcasing the global dedication to Quranic excellence.

Training at Noor Al-Tajweed School

Jinan honed her Quran memorization skills at the Noor Al-Tajweed School in Qalqilya, a Palestinian city located approximately 20 kilometers from Jerusalem. Her daily routine involved reviewing multiple Juz of the Quran, emphasizing the importance of consistent practice and dedication in Quranic studies.

The Significance of the 65th MTHQA

The 65th MTHQA, held from August 2 to 9, 2025, was inaugurated by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The event’s theme, “Developing a MADANI Ummah,” highlighted the importance of moral and civilizational development in the Muslim community. The competition featured various categories, including recitation and memorization, with participants from around the world demonstrating their Quranic proficiency.

A Personal Reflection

Jinan’s participation in the MTHQA was not just a personal achievement but also a testament to her family’s support and the Palestinian community’s commitment to preserving Quranic traditions. Her journey serves as an inspiration to many, illustrating the profound impact of dedication, faith, and familial support in achieving excellence in Quranic studies.

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August 18, 2025 0 comment

Science Women Pioneers

Young Palestinian Innovator Creates Breast Cancer Detection Tool

by خانم هاشمی August 16, 2025

On the morning show “Sabah Nisaa (Women’s Morning),” viewers met Israa Shawabka, a bright young woman from Hebron whose passion for science blossomed into a groundbreaking medical innovation that earned her international accolades—and elevated Palestine’s name on the global stage.

Outstanding Academic Achievement and a Groundbreaking Project

Israa was an ambitious high school student who earned an outstanding 97% average. But her achievements didn’t stop at academic excellence—she also shone internationally with her science project designed for early breast cancer detection. The innovation is a self-examination device that empowers women to distinguish between benign and malignant lumps. It has garnered both regional and international awards and gained substantial recognition in scientific circles.

Motivation, Challenges, and Support

During the interview, Israa spoke about what drove her to develop the project: her passion for science and her desire to make a real, positive impact on people’s lives. She also discussed the challenges she faced as a young woman in a resource-limited environment and emphasized the importance of perseverance and family support—especially her mother, who was a companion and source of inspiration.

International Milestones and Accomplishments

The discussion also spotlighted Israa’s most significant international milestones. She competed at the prestigious Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Texas, where she achieved a global first-place ranking. Additionally, she participated in the “Technology Talents” program and visited NASA as Palestine’s representative. Notably, she became the first young Palestinian woman to speak on the global TEDx platform.

Aspirations for the Future

Israa shared her future aspirations: she plans to study human medicine and specialize in cancer treatment, aiming to continue her service to humanity and use her scientific knowledge to help cancer patients in Palestine and around the world.

A Message of Hope to Palestinian Girls

In closing, Israa delivered a powerful message to Palestinian girls, urging them to believe in themselves and not give up in the face of obstacles. She emphasized that “an idea, when paired with willpower and faith, has the potential to become a seed for global change.”

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From: radionisaa

August 16, 2025 0 comment

Europe

France Suspends Admission of Gaza Refugees

by خانم هاشمی August 16, 2025

France has suspended the admission of refugees from Gaza after a political uproar involving a Palestinian student, Nour Atallah, who was accused of sharing antisemitic content on social media.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced that no further arrivals from Gaza would be accepted until an investigation is completed. He also confirmed that the cases of Gazans already admitted to France since the start of the Israel–Hamas war in October 2023 will be reviewed again.

Student Forced to Leave France

Atallah, who arrived in July on a government scholarship to study at Sciences Po Lille, left France on Sunday and continued her journey to Qatar. Barrot said her past comments were “unacceptable” and made her presence in France “impossible.”

On the platform X, the minister wrote: “Nour Atallah has left France. She had no place here. I said it, and we did it.”

The French Foreign Ministry thanked Qatar for its “decisive cooperation” in accepting the student.

Defense Rejects Allegations

Atallah’s lawyer, Osama Dahman, said she chose to continue her studies elsewhere “to protect her safety and in a calmer environment,” while strongly denying the accusations. He argued that the allegations were largely based on reposted tweets taken “out of context.”

Judicial Proceedings and Ongoing Investigation

Screenshots attributed to an account linked to Atallah — later shut down — included calls for killing Jews. This led to her removal from Sciences Po Lille and the opening of a judicial case for “glorification of terrorism.” Another inquiry has been launched to determine why the posts were not detected earlier.

Although the authenticity of the screenshots has not been independently confirmed, Sciences Po Lille stated that Atallah’s online remarks were verified, without providing further detail.

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August 16, 2025 0 comment

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