Fida Jiryis: Finding her elusive place as a Palestinian

In this episode, we’re joined by Fida Jiryis, Palestinian author currently living in Ramallah.  Jiryis grew up in Lebanon and Cyprus, the daughter of famed Palestinian thinker and leader, Sabri Jiryis.  As her family fled Israel’s oppression and wars, Jiryis’ life has spanned the full spectrum of the Palestinian people’s forced fragmentation: in Israel, the West Bank and the diaspora. Her writings include several collections of Arabic short stories; a contribution to the book, Kingdom of Olives and Ash, a Washington Post bestseller; and Amputated Tongue, an anthology of Palestinian literature. Her most recent book, Stranger in My Own Land describes her and her family’s remarkable life journey which is, in many respects, the story of Palestine.   

Our lead host, Nur Watad was unable to be present, so ATPC’s backup host, Thomas Woodley, interviewed Ms. Jiryis.

Links from this podcast:

• Obtain a copy of Jiryis’ most recent book, Stranger in My Own Land on Oxford University Press, or Amazon
•  Jiryis was also a contributor to Kingdom of Olives and Ash: Writers Confront the Occupation

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