The Life and Legacy of Yusra Al-Barbari

 

Yusra Al-Barbari is widely regarded as one of Gaza's most prominent figures. She led humanitarian work and was an outspoken advocate for the right to live freely and with dignity. Al-Barbari was the first female university graduate in Gaza in 1949, and she fought for Palestinian rights from the late Ottoman era until the beginning of the twentieth century.

After the Israeli occupation of the Gaza Strip in 1967, she refused to work with the Israeli authorities, even though Israeli jobs were the highest-paid ones. In contrast, she had taken part in rallies against the British Mandate authorities in order to repeal the Balfour Declaration and halt immigration.

Furthermore, she focused on education and played a remarkable role in it. She had been teaching Palestinian refugee girls when she was chosen to be a teacher and principal of the "Al-Zahraa School," the Gaza Strip's only secondary school for girls.

Al-Barbari had a major influence on the younger generation, particularly the girls. In 1964, she participated in establishing the "Women's Union" in Gaza and was elected its head. She was able to show bravery and decisiveness in taking critical actions for her country. She supported the idea of confronting those who had stolen rights and threatened peace.

There is no doubt that anyone who adheres to and defends these lofty values and principles will face many challenges, particularly in a society bound by harsh restrictions, whether social or political, imposed by occupation.

The girls in our society who follow in the footsteps of Yusra would adopt the human values she armed herself with—just as Yusra did, having lived through pain and suffering. To do so, they now have access to numerous methods and platforms that were unavailable during most phases of humanitarian and social work, such as social media and participation in events and meetings aimed at confronting the international community. Today, all of these tools are available, and the public's voice can easily be spread and heard. Famous bloggers and influencers on social media platforms have the power to increase public awareness of their fundamental rights.

Now more than ever, the public's voice can be heard widely and effectively. Social media influencers and bloggers have the capacity to raise awareness about fundamental rights, advocate for justice, and mobilize collective action. By harnessing these tools, the next generation can continue the legacy of Yusra Al-Barbari fighting not only for themselves, but for the dignity, freedom, and future of their communities.

Implementing Yusra Al-Barbari's values and principles is a goal I hope to accomplish, even though I have only practiced the bare minimum of these principles related to social and humanitarian work through my participation with others in volunteer efforts, such as contacting a group of youth who were willing to start a civil initiative that aims to mitigate the physical and emotional effects of Israeli aggression, whether related to kids or adults. I realize it's a real challenge, yet it is not impossible to implement. It starts with a self-decision, then a mass change.