Suleiman Jibril Abu Taima challenges gender norms in Gaza by practicing
traditional embroidery.

Usually done by women, embroidery is a cherished part of Palestinian
heritage.

Abu Taima was displaced from his home in Khan Younis in the south of
Gaza, during Israel’s 2014 assault on the Gaza Strip and forced to seek
refuge in a school run by UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestine refugees,
where he taught girls how to embroider.

More than 2,250 Palestinians were killed during that assault – about one
in every 1,000 Gaza residents. Israeli fatalities included more than 60
soldiers and six civilians.

Abu Taima faced social judgments for taking up embroidery during that
time, and he stopped practicing it until he met his fiancee Ferial
Fisefas, who encouraged him to continue.

“Israel is trying to obliterate the Palestinian cause and Palestinian
heritage,” Abu Taima told The Electronic Intifada, which is why he says
he holds on to it.

Video by Amjad Ayman Yaghi, Sanad Ltefa and Ismail Abu Hatab