upcoming grant deadline: 05/15/2024

upcoming grant deadline: 05/15/2024

Susan Abulhawa

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2003 Edna Andrade Award

My writing tends to revolve around the central theme of the Palestine/Israel conflict. I try to reveal the ancient heritage and beautiful culture of the Palestinian people, a nation of refugees and occupied subjects who, through an awesome propaganda machine, are seen as little more than miscellaneous terrorists.

The injustice of dispossession and occupation of Palestine is made from over fifty years of untold horrors committed daily against its people, who stand without defenses against the barrel of a nuclear power on one side and the end of their own existence at the other side. Denied at every turn and villainized though they are victims, they remain steadfast in a tragic march toward justice.

Ultimately, the aim of my work is to humanize the dehumanized. These are the souls who teeter on the margin of humanity, stripped of their heritage and left without basic human rights, freedom, and homeland. My work is a small contribution to the Intifada, a process-in its literal form-of liberation, from oppression and the demons of racism that haunt the hearts of ancient cousins.


Susan Abulhawa holds a Master's degree in biomedical science. Her writing career began four years ago as a contributor in political commentary. Her work has appeared in newspapers and magazines across the country, including the New York Daily, The Chicago Tribune, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Chrisitian Science Monitor, The Internationalist and more.

Susan is a contributing author to Shattered Illusions, Amal Press 2002 and Searching Jenin, Cune Press 2003. She is also the founder of an international children's charity, Playgrounds For Palestine.
 

The knots finally unravel into tears as I realize how easily I could be the mother of a terrorized little girl with one eye shot out. The thought of Natalie suffering like that is profoundly heavy. I selfishly thank whomever or whatever out there that spared my little Palestinian girl a life under occupation. I scout the most promising star and make a wish for Hiam and her mother. Then, with a wine-induced power, I summon all the stars and counsel them to act on DCI's plea to protect the children.

I check my email once before going to bed. I delete a letter calling me anti-Semitic. From LAW, an affiliate of Paris-based human rights organizations, comes news of closures. An Israeli soldier raped a Palestinian woman in her home and the army later confirmed that "indecent acts" did take place. A Jewish settler gets community service and a fine for beating to death unarmed eleven-year-old Hilmi Shusah yards from his home. An Israeli soldier gets 49 days in jail for shooting a twelve-year-old Palestinian boy walking home from school.

Natalie is sound asleep with the covers off. I cover her back up even though I know she'll have them off in a few minutes. Sometimes I can't believe my great fortune to be her mommy and deserve her love. I kiss her forehead and whisper, "I love you, too." All is not well with the world, but my day ended as it began-with love.

 

- from "Scars of Hatred Soothed by a Child's Love"

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Window of Opportunity Grant

The Window of Opportunity (WOO) grant provides financial assistance of up to $1,500 to Leeway grant and award recipients to help them take advantage of imminent, time-sensitive opportunities to support their art for social change practice. The Community Care Fund (CCF) provides financial assistance of up to $1,250 to Leeway grant and award recipients to support with immediate and essential emergency needs. [read more]

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Upcoming events
04/025:30 pm - 7:00 pm

4/2 Transformation Award (LTA) Awardee Panel + Info Session (In Person)

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04/185:30 pm - 6:30 pm

4/18 Transformation Award (LTA) Info Session (Virtual)

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