A living hub for the people of Palestine — those who shaped it, and those who stood with it.

Suggest a profile
Portrait of Nadia Hijab

Nadia Hijab

Al-Shabaka co-founder and honorary board president

Born
1950
Born in
Aleppo, Syria
Read Nadia’s storyWatchAsk about Nadia

Why Nadia is here

Leading voice in Palestinian advocacy and policy analysis.

Their story

Nadia Hijab is renowned for her work as a Palestinian political analyst, author, and human rights advocate. She has been a compelling voice in international forums, articulating the rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people and critiquing policies affecting the Palestinian territories.

Milestones

The moments that shaped Nadia’s path.

  1. Co-Founding Al-Shabaka

    One of Nadia Hijab's most significant achievements is co-founding Al-Shabaka, the Palestinian Policy Network, in 2010. This independent, non-partisan think tank has become a crucial platform for Palestinian scholars and policy analysts to share their insights on the path to Palestinian self-determination.

  2. Renowned Public Speaking and Advocacy

    Hijab has been an influential voice in international forums, advocating for Palestinian rights and self-determination. Her speeches and presentations at universities, think tanks, and conferences worldwide have contributed significantly to raising awareness and understanding of Palestinian issues.

  3. Publication of Key Works on Palestinian Issues

    Nadia Hijab has authored and co-authored several important works on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Palestinian rights, and strategies for statehood. Her books and articles are considered essential readings for those interested in Middle Eastern politics and the Palestinian struggle for self-determination.

  4. Leadership Roles in Human Rights and Policy Organizations

    Beyond Al-Shabaka, Hijab has held various leadership and advisory roles in international human rights and policy organizations. Her expertise has guided research, strategy, and advocacy efforts aimed at promoting human rights and justice.

  5. Influential Media Appearances

    Hijab's appearances on international media outlets have made her a recognizable and respected figure in discussions about the Middle East. Her interviews and op-eds have been featured in major publications, further amplifying her voice and the Palestinian cause.

    Watch

Legacy

What they built, changed and left behind.

  1. Journalism and Media Commentary

    Hijab began her career as a journalist in Beirut and later served as the Editor-in-Chief of Middle East Magazine in London. Her frequent media appearances as a commentator on Middle East affairs have contributed significantly to public understanding and dialogue about the region and the Palestinian situation specifically.

  2. United Nations Development Program

    In 1989, Hijab moved to the United States, where she worked as a development specialist for the United Nations Development Program in New York City for 10 years. Her role involved fostering development projects, highlighting her commitment to improving socio-economic conditions in developing regions.

  3. Human Rights Advocacy

    As a tireless advocate for human rights, Hijab has co-founded and participated in several campaigns promoting Palestinian human rights in the United States. Her activism underscores her dedication to advancing the rights and well-being of Palestinians and addressing injustices faced by the community.

  4. Authorship

    Hijab is the author of "Womanpower: The Arab debate on women at work" published by Cambridge University Press, and co-authored "Citizens Apart: A Portrait of the Palestinians in Israel" (I.B. Tauris). Her literary contributions offer critical insights into gender issues and the status of Palestinians, providing valuable perspectives on socio-political dynamics in the Arab world and Palestine.

    Read more

  5. Senior Fellowship at the Institute for Palestine Studies

    As a Senior Fellow at the Institute for Palestine Studies, Hijab engages in research and scholarly work that further illuminates the complexities of the Palestinian experience and the broader Middle East context. Her scholarly contributions enrich academic discourse and support informed policy discussions related to Palestine.

Ask about Nadia

Curious about something? An AI guide answers from Nadia’s profile.

Nadia’s guide AI

Answers come from Nadia’s profile on this page. It isn’t Nadia, and it can make mistakes.

What would you like to know about Nadia?

Ask in your own words about Nadia’s early life, work, the moments that shaped them, or their legacy. The guide answers only from this profile, so if something isn’t covered, it will tell you.

AI-generated from this profile. Spotted something wrong? Correct or add information.

Watch

Nadia in interviews, talks and coverage.

  • 01Influential Media Appearances↗

Further reading

Something wrong or missing?

Help improve Nadia Hijab’s profile. Send a correction, a source, a photo or missing information. An editor checks every update before publication.

Correct or add information

Keep exploring

More faces from Journalism

All 35 in Journalism