A review by misspalah
A Shared Struggle: Stories of Palestinian and Irish Hunger Strikers by Norma Hashim, Yousef M. Aljamal

challenging emotional informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

5.0

I am in the presence of brothers, in a meadow of camomile.

Its breeze scented by liquorice and poppy, bedewed with wildflowers.

Its crystals are grape and lemon and a carpet swathed in purple.

Its stars are orange and pomegranate, a reflection tinged with amber.

Its fragrance is wild thyme - rich is its soil.

Its coffee, aromatic with saffron and affection.

I am in the presence of saints,

in the garden of childhood, in all its innocence.

Its watchman is a demon.

I am at the convergence of worldly and spiritual blessing, and the torment of regulation.

I am in a paradise fabricated by man.

Our Eden is enclosed with gunfire.

• by Khalil Abu Aram : In the Presence of Brothers (A shared struggle : stories of Palestinian and Irish Hunger Strikers by Norma Hashim and Yousef M. Aljamal

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Without any hesitation, I give this book five stars. Some may question the connection between Ireland and Palestine, or why Ireland, alongside South Africa, has been so outspoken against the illegal occupation and apartheid in Palestine. The answer lies in their shared experience—both have endured the struggles of fighting colonialism and injustices for decades. The book serves as a powerful reminder that ordinary people unite to resist and fight against any form of mistreatment, whether from their government or occupiers. It’s important to recognize that deciding to go on a hunger strike is no easy choice. Those who undertake it are fully aware of the toll it will take on their bodies, as many testimonies highlight severe health issues, particularly with the digestive system, that arise after completing the strike. They survive with salt water to supplement their diet. Some of the prisons did go beyond to force feed them but its not always work as majority that went on hunger strike remains steadfast in their cause. They also know that without significant media coverage, their efforts may fail to achieve their goals, as external pressure on the government and prison authorities is crucial. Some prisoners who joined the hunger strike couldn't see it through, lacking the resolve for the cause. Reading this book helps you understand that about 70% of the hunger strikes were successful, though they also lost some comrades along the way. It’s also clear that Irish prisoners were treated more humanely compared to Palestinian prisoners. When connecting this to current events, especially the incidents of sexual violence committed against Palestinian prisoners by the IDF, it's evident that the situation has worsened over the years. Overall, this book is both eye-opening and essential reading to all. From the river to sea, Palestine will be free 🇵🇸