Occupation Diaries | Raja Shehadeh

Occupation Diaries

Accolades & Praise

• The New York Times: "Few Palestinians have opened their minds and their hearts with such frankness."
• The Nation: "At once gentle and angry, resolute and realistic."
• John Berger: "Towards any proper understanding of history there are many small paths. I strongly suggest you walk with him."

Extended Synopsis

It is often the smallest details of daily life that tell us the most. And so it is under occupation in Palestine. What most of us take for granted has to be carefully thought about and planned for: When will the post be allowed to get through? Will there be enough water for the bath tonight? How shall I get rid of the rubbish collecting outside? How much time should I allow for the journey to visit my cousin, going through checkpoints? Alongside these daily struggles are the big questions too: Is working with left-wing Israelis collaborating or not? What effect will the Arab Spring have on the future of Palestine? What can anyone do to bring about change?

Occupation Diaries is a profound personal and political journal spanning a tumultuous year. Written by a prominent human rights lawyer, the book offers a sharp, reflective insider's view of life in the West Bank. It captures the psychological weight of prolonged subjugation and institutional restrictions while highlighting the ongoing, deeply human search for dignity, justice, and the fleeting pleasures of a life largely dictated by politics.

About the Author

Raja Shehadeh is a prominent Palestinian lawyer, writer, and political activist. He is a founder of the pioneering non-partisan human rights organization Al-Haq, an affiliate of the International Commission of Jurists. Shehadeh is the author of several acclaimed books about international law, human rights, and Middle Eastern politics, notably Palestinian Walks, which won the Orwell Prize.

Reader Targeting

• Readers seeking ground-level perspectives on international relations, conflict, and human rights.
• Students and scholars of Middle Eastern political science, Palestinian history, and sociology.
• Individuals interested in moving, reflective memoirs that detail the human realities behind geopolitical headlines.

Bibliographic & Physical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What time period does Occupation Diaries cover?
The diary spans a tumultuous year in the life of the author, reflecting on events leading up to and during the initial ripple effects of the Arab Spring.

Is this book a historical text or a personal memoir?
It is primarily a personal memoir and political journal. While it touches upon significant historical and geopolitical shifts, the core focus remains on the psychological weight and daily practicalities of living as a Palestinian under Israeli occupation.

Does the author offer solutions to the political conflict?
Rather than drafting policy solutions, Raja Shehadeh asks the big, difficult questions—such as what it means to collaborate with left-wing Israelis and what individuals can truly do to bring about change—while illuminating the search for dignity amidst systemic restrictions.

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