QUICK FACTS
Date of Birth
1970
Kuwait, Born to Palestinian refugees displaced by the 1967 War, grew up in Kuwait and Jordan.
Place of Birth
Why Featured?
Susan Abulhawa is included in the Hall of Fame for her significant contributions to literature and human rights, specifically focusing on the Palestinian experience and the intersection of national and feminist struggles. Her work has brought international attention to the plight of Palestinians and has been a powerful voice for women within the Palestinian community.
BRIEF BIO
Susan Abulhawa is a Palestinian-American writer and activist. She is the author of internationally acclaimed novels such as “Mornings in Jenin” and “Against the Loveless World,” which have been translated into numerous languages. As a human rights activist, she has been a prominent voice in campaigns for Palestinian rights, including the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement, and is the founder of Playgrounds for Palestine.
LAST UPDATED
DATE
Monday, January 26, 2026
MAJOR MILESTONES
Key dates & turning points
Born in 1970 to Palestinian refugees.
Moved to the United States as a teenager and pursued a career in medical science.
Witnessed the 2002 massacre in Jenin, which profoundly influenced her writing and activism.
In 2010, published the novel "Mornings in Jenin," which became an international bestseller and was translated into 32 languages.
Founded Playgrounds for Palestine in July 2001, focusing on children's rights to play.
CONTRIBUTIONS
What they did, and why it matters
Her debut novel “Mornings in Jenin” provided a nuanced portrayal of the Palestinian experience under Israeli rule and has educated countless readers worldwide...See More
Organized Palestine Writes, a literary conference turned festival celebrating Palestinian writers and literature...See More
Her work often challenges and brings attention to the intersection of national liberation and the struggle against patriarchal structures within Palestinian society...See More
Her novels offer a radical representation of Palestinian women’s lives, both in historical and contemporary contexts...See More
Through her literary work, Susan has contributed to the broader feminist discourse by intertwining the sexual liberation struggle with national liberation, providing a new framework for understanding and imagining freedom
Disclaimer: This chat uses AI to generate responses inspired by the profile content and publicly available information. It does not represent the real person.
Last updated
Jan 26, 2026
DISCOVER
Profiles from the Same Path
A rotating spotlight on voices that shaped Palestine’s culture, thought, and history.