Palestinian women in An Nabi Samwil village are staying—and surviving
Nawal Barakat lives in the village of An Nabi Samwil. It’s only eight kilometers northwest of Jerusalem—but it might as well be a world away. Nawal Barakat lives in the village of An Nabi Samwil, just eight kilometers from Jerusalem, but feels a world apart due to severe restrictions. With 90% unemployment and difficulties in accessing Jerusalem without permits, life is a constant struggle. Residents face challenges like harsh checkpoints, limited food supplies, and restrictions on basic infrastructure. Despite these hardships, Barakat has worked to empower the women in her village, advocating for girls' education, fighting early marriage, and offering training in nursing and first aid. Even when faced with oppression, including the demolition of community centers, Barakat remains determined to help her community become self-sufficient, fostering resilience and hope for a better future.
This entry is original published by World Council of Churches .
