Palestinian Women Enrich Book Club Amid Ongoing Conflict

An unexpected gathering of Palestinian-Canadian women has added a new dimension to a local book club in Canada, fostering dialogue amidst the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. These women, primarily from Mississauga, Oakville, and Burlington, joined a discussion organized by the chapter of Independent Jewish Voices (IJV) to explore Rashid Khalidi’s influential work, The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917-2017.

The initiative began when a few women heard about the book club’s meetings through social media, specifically from the IJV. They welcomed the opportunity to engage with a group of politically sympathetic Jews who were also grappling with the complexities of the Palestinian narrative. Among them was Layla, who shared her background as a Palestinian born in Kuwait, with childhood experiences in Lebanon and later life in Jordan.

Layla expressed a strong sense of community within her own book club, which includes individuals from Palestinian and Jordanian backgrounds. “In the Jordanian-Palestinian book club, I’ve found a deep sense of belonging and camaraderie,” she stated. The group, formed in 2018, serves as a vital space for discussing literature that resonates with their shared histories and challenges.

As the discussions evolved, Layla began to appreciate the diversity within the Jewish community regarding perspectives on Palestine. She noted that her interactions with IJV members have been eye-opening, highlighting the existence of solidarity among Jews who support Palestinian rights. “Meeting individuals at IJV who are not only pro-Palestine but actively seek to educate themselves through literature by Palestinian authors has been incredibly refreshing,” Layla remarked.

The timing of these gatherings has been significant, particularly following the attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which prompted a severe military response from Israel. The ongoing violence has led to a humanitarian crisis in Gaza and heightened tensions in the West Bank. For Layla and her peers, continuing their literary discussions has proved essential to maintaining a sense of normalcy and mental well-being amid the turmoil. “The discussions following our readings are often infused with heartfelt sentiments and nuanced ideas that restore my faith in humanity during these difficult times,” she explained.

At each meeting, participants delve into a variety of texts, spanning novels, memoirs, and essays by authors from diverse backgrounds. Layla emphasized the importance of these discussions, stating, “With each meeting, I leave feeling more hopeful and grateful for the connections forged and the understanding fostered.”

The IJV book club has broadened its literary focus to include works by Palestinian authors, an area that has garnered significant interest among members. Some of the notable titles discussed include Her First Palestinian and Other Stories by Saeed Teebi, a collection of short stories reflecting the Palestinian diaspora experience; and Against the Loveless World by Susan Abulhawa, which tells the harrowing story of a Palestinian woman facing adversity in an Israeli prison.

Another significant work is Stranger In My Own Land by Fida Jiryis, which recounts her family’s exile and return to Israel amid the complexities of the Oslo Accords. The discussions have not only provided insights into these narratives but also fostered empathy and understanding among participants.

Layla concluded that engaging with literature has been a powerful means of building bridges between communities. “This journey through literature is not just about reading; it’s about creating connections that transcend boundaries and enrich our collective identity,” she said.

The growing involvement of Palestinian-Canadian women in the IJV book club exemplifies how literature can serve as a tool for dialogue and understanding in challenging times. Their commitment to reading and discussing crucial texts reflects a desire for change and solidarity, even when faced with overwhelming odds.