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They Called Me a Lioness

A Palestinian Girl's Fight for Freedom

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About this listen

 A Palestinian activist jailed at sixteen after a confrontation with Israeli soldiers illuminates the daily struggles of life under occupation in this moving, deeply personal memoir.

“I cannot even begin to convey the clarity, the intensity, the power, the photographic storytelling of They Called Me a Lioness.”—Ibram X. Kendi, internationally bestselling author of How to Be an Antiracist

ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: Kirkus Reviews

“What would you do if you grew up seeing your home repeatedly raided? Your parents arrested? Your mother shot? Your uncle killed? Try, for just a moment, to imagine that this was your life. How would you want the world to react?”

Ahed Tamimi is a world-renowned Palestinian activist, born and raised in the small West Bank village of Nabi Saleh, which became a center of the resistance to Israeli occupation when an illegal, Jewish-only settlement blocked off its community spring. Tamimi came of age participating in nonviolent demonstrations against this action and the occupation at large. Her global renown reached an apex in December 2017, when, at sixteen years old, she was filmed slapping an Israeli soldier who refused to leave her front yard. The video went viral, and Tamimi was arrested.

But this is not just a story of activism or imprisonment. It is the human-scale story of an occupation that has riveted the world and shaped global politics, from a girl who grew up in the middle of it . Tamimi’s father was born in 1967, the year that Israel began its occupation of the West Bank and he grew up immersed in the resistance movement. One of Tamimi’s earliest memories is visiting him in prison, poking her toddler fingers through the fence to touch his hand. She herself would spend her seventeenth birthday behind bars. Living through this greatest test and heightened attacks on her village, Tamimi felt her resolve only deepen, in tension with her attempts to live the normal life of a daughter, sibling, friend, and student.

An essential addition to an important conversation, They Called Me a Lioness shows us what is at stake in this struggle and offers a fresh vision for resistance. With their unflinching, riveting storytelling, Ahed Tamimi and Dena Takruri shine a light on the humanity not just in occupied Palestine but also in the unsung lives of people struggling for freedom around the world. Activism & Social Justice Israel & Palestine Middle East Social Sciences Inspiring Banking Solider Village
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Excellent book, and because it carries the message of a young girl through her own eyes, it would definitely appeal to teenage readers/listeners

Emotional , inspiring

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So inspiring one of the many Palestinian superheroes. One of the many children imprisoned by Apartheid Israel. Free Palestine

Incredible book

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If you are new to the Palestinian struggle, Ahed Tamimi's story is a perfect jumping off point. The book gives a snapshot of life under occupation, and the daily challenges and injustices faced by the people in the occupied territories. In essence, Tamimi's story is the story of the people of Palestine. The narration isn't the best, but it should not put you off. Tamimi's recent (November 2023) arrest and release, and events in Gaza, suggest that she and the men, women and children of Palestine are a very long way from the peace and security they deserve.

A great place to start

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Such an informative and inspiring account. Written by an intelligent, incredibly brave and wonderful person. I am honoured to have listened to this.

Amazingly written.

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I really enjoyed this story and feel closer to understanding the conflict. Well done Dena Takruri, I wish you strength in your struggles.

An inspiration to everyone, a worthwhile read.

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