They Called Me a Lioness

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A Palestinian activist jailed at sixteen after a confrontation with Israeli soldiers illuminates the daily struggles of life under occupation in this deeply personal memoir. Ahed Tamimi, born and raised in the West Bank village of Nabi Saleh, became a prominent figure in the resistance against Israeli occupation after an illegal settlement blocked access to her community’s spring. She grew up participating in nonviolent demonstrations, and her global recognition surged in December 2017 when she was filmed slapping an Israeli soldier in her yard, leading to her arrest. This narrative extends beyond activism and imprisonment; it captures the profound human experience of living under occupation. Tamimi’s father, born in 1967—the year Israel began its occupation—was deeply involved in the resistance movement. One of her earliest memories is visiting him in prison as a toddler. She spent her seventeenth birthday behind bars, yet her resolve only deepened amid escalating attacks on her village, balancing the challenges of being a daughter, sibling, friend, and student. This memoir contributes to a vital conversation about the stakes in this struggle, offering a fresh vision for resistance. Through their compelling storytelling, Ahed Tamimi and Dena Takruri highlight the humanity not only in occupied Palestine but also in the lives of those fighting for freedom worldwide.