Playing for Gaza

Most people have a certain degree of awareness about Gaza. This awareness tends to be dominated by two potential versions: Palestinians as victims, and Palestinians as terrorists.
Young journalist Åshild Eidem has lived in Gaza for several months, and in her debut book she portrays Palestinians as participants, and to speak with – and not simply about – those who devote their lives to obstructing peace.
She has followed four people, each representing different elements within the small and explosive society. She meets a range of individuals: smugglers who have earned millions by importing weapons and luxury cars through tunnels that exist between Gaza and Egypt, the military leader of Hamas who works as a policeman during the day and a warrior during the night, and a warm father who teaches his children to fire kalashnikovs and hides missles beneath his living room sofa. She also meets Umm Nidal, one of Hamas’ best-know female figures, and a member of parliament who has sent three of her sons to a martyr’s death.
By weaving together these inidividual stories, this book reveals the reality behind the news stories in a society brimming with contrasts and extremes, and which influences news broadcasts across the world.

Cappelen Damm 2013
290 Pages

English sample translation available