In Gaza City, girls as young as 13 years old are restricted in their activities under pressure of Hamas and their ultra conservative interpretation of Islam.
Article Source: The Atlantic — News and analysis on politics, business, culture, technology, national, international, and food – TheAtlantic.com
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“Our society is different than others, there’s no way the girls can surf on a crowded day,” says their surfing teacher, Al-Hindi Ashour. “To their parents they are still kids, but some people here look at them like adult females already … They may say things about them in the future.”
Rawand’s cousin Shurouk Abu Ghanem is also 13. On land, she wears a hijab, the Muslim head scarf. In the water, Shurouk stuffs her long brown curls into a cap.
All of the girls surf clothed from head to foot. They prefer to practice in groups of other surfers and swimmers (their male cousins, brothers, and fathers), reasoning that the more people in the water, the less likely that anyone on shore will notice girls on a board.
Things taken for granted in western countries are strictly controlled under Islamic Law. These girls are enjoying themselves now, but I feel for these kids. They understand what their life will be like once they turn 16 or 17.
- 4 votes
“I’m not doing anything wrong. No one has the right to say anything to my daughters or me. But in the end, I can’t live outside the traditions of my society. There are limits to where we can have our freedoms here,” Rajab, Shurouk’s father, tells me.
What a ridiculous and sad deal; these kids should be able to play and enjoy their youth---instead they are caught in the middle of extremist's ideological war.
- 4 votes
What a ridiculous and sad deal; these kids should be able to play and enjoy their youth---instead they are caught in the middle of extremist's ideological war.
You said it! I think it stinks...there is no reason, other than their outdated and outmoded way of life, that these girls should have to worry about how they look while surfing, and that they should have to give up this enjoyment in a few more years because they will be older, and guys may look at them.
Why don't they punish the males for looking at them, and allow the females to enjoy having a life? Of course that will never happen!
- 4 votes
larrrs -
Why don't they punish the males for looking at them, and allow the females to enjoy having a life? Of course that will never happen!
Right on! And that's only one of the things wrong with Islam as it's "proacticed" in Gaza and other "radicalized" countries.
Bonnie, you say "outdated and outmoded". To us maybe, but not the followers. We just don't agree with the program. I'll use the Ultra Orthodox Jews from Boro Park and Crown Heights NY, Lakewood NJ and other areas of the US and the world. Their practices are similar, but they don't threaten to kill the "non-believers". The worst that happens is you are shunned in your community. In most places ( there are enclaves in Israel that this doesn't happen) they also allow those who do not practice as they do to live and let live. People who live in that world when allowed to do so without fear are quite hapy with their lot.
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People who live in that world when allowed to do so without fear are quite hapy with their lot.
If they live that way out of choice, it is one thing, but to live that way out of fear is another. The females have to live in such a way that males do not look at them, otherwise they may be beaten and killed. It is a horrible way to live, and I am glad I am not one of the unfortunate females that do have to live that way.
I do not agree with Islam at all.
- 2 votes
Bonnie, you say "outdated and outmoded". To us maybe, but not the followers. We just don't agree with the program
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It is a horrible way to live, and I am glad I am not one of the unfortunate females that do have to live that way.
Here is an interesting interview with a very savvy gal named Ayaan Hirsi Ali; she is turning out to be a powerful voice for the advocacy for Islamic reform. As someone who has been there, as well as a brilliant thinker and writer and former dutch politician, Ayaan's observations are frank and startling. Her thoughts in this vido touches on some of the same things you guys are talking about.
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