Skip to main content

My Mother Inspired Us to Fight For Palestinian Rights

On International Women’s Day, lawyer-activist Shireen Issawi writes about how her mother inspired her and her brother, Samer Issawi, who has been on a hunger strike in an Israeli prison for some 222 days, to fight for Palestinian independence.
A Jordanian activist and relative of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons who are on a  hunger strike holds a placard during a protest outside the Red Cross offices in Amman February 21, 2013. The placard reads:  "Name of Palestinian prisoner: Samer Al Issawi, date of his hunger strike: August 1, 2012." REUTERS/Muhammad Hamed (JORDAN - Tags: CIVIL UNREST POLITICS) - RTR3E2WO

On March 8 every year, thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate their achievements for International Women’s Day. Today I would like to take the opportunity to celebrate my mother, Laila Issawi, and share her story.

I was raised by a very empowered, inspiring mother, who endured not only her own suffering but the suffering of her children, in the struggle for our freedom and dignity as a people. From as far back as I can remember I have always been in awe of my mother, her passion, dignity and resilience. She was raised on the love of Palestine, and has raised us with those same values; to love our country, defend our rights and fight for them until they are achieved.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.