Mariam from Ramallah
My wood girls like to give back when they can, either as a group or as individual pieces.
This wood girl has been painted to represent Mariam Barghouti, who is dressed in a bullet-proof press vest and wearing a black helmet on her head, with chinstrap.
Mariam is a Palestinian American based in Ramallah; a writer, journalist, researcher and commentator who has in recent years reported on the steady rise in violence in the West Bank, writing:
"To separate the continuing genocide in Gaza from the broader Palestinian context is to deny that the target of Israeli crimes is neither Hamas nor the Gaza Strip, but rather the Palestinian existence in historical Palestine as a whole."
It is important not to view the ongoing genocide in Gaza in a vacuum, rather it is part of the whole, systematic ethnic cleansing of Palestine by the Israeli supremacist ethno-state. I have greatly appreciated the efforts of those journalists on the ground not only in Gaza but also other parts of the country where the mainstream media simply choose to ignore the realities, favouring the constantly skewed and biased reporting that has become the cut and paste 'journalism' that we know from our main news providers (the BBC being one of the worst offenders).
In some of her posts on Instagram she was wearing a black armoured press vest that had pens and sunglasses clipped onto the front and although it is really hard to see, what looked like a feather. Being a bird lover, I can't help but often wonder about the wild birds in the region, and whether there are any at all, given the damage that constant bombing and drones/quadcopters must be doing not only to people but also the environment including wildlife. It is a human wrought catastrophe on all levels. Anyway, I had to include a feather in the vest of this wood girl version.
More than 200 journalists have been killed by Israel in Gaza since October 2023, many in specifically targeted attacks, making it the most deadly place on earth for journalists to be. Israel has refused entry to foreign journalists and so it has fallen to Gazans to provide all reportage on the besieged and blockaded enclave, getting the news out not only via official news media channels but also using phone cameras and social media as their broadcasting network. 'Mainstream' news media continues to ignore and sideline any such reporting in favour of the 'foreign journalists' who can't enter - meaning that such news is nearly always biased towards Israeli government press releases and completely missing any direct reporting element. Outside of the Gaza Strip, many more Palestinian journalists are being arrested and detained in the occupied West Bank as they try to report on the reality experienced by Palestinians living in the Israeli-occupied territories who are coming under steadily increasing attacks and persecution by the Israeli state and violent occupiers (commonly referred to as the peaceful sounding 'settlers' but who are anything but peaceful). A common sight from the reportage has been the press jacket - supposed to protect journalists in conflict zones (as per Article 79 of the Third Geneva Convention, journalists on duty are guaranteed the same protection as civilians under international law), it has now turned from protective gear into something that puts wearers at significant risk.
By purchasing this girl, you will be donating to Many Lands Mutual Aid, a Gaza based initiative that distributes daily necessities and food for up to 100 families who returned from displacement camps in the south of the Gaza strip to the Shuja'iyya neighbourhood of Gaza City in January 2025. Since the return to the north, they have also been helping to establish a steady supply of water to the neighbourhood. All aid to Gaza has been blocked since March by Israel and the situation grows more and more dangerous as the Israeli military continues to target the civilian population of Gaza. It remains important that you read and educate yourself on the history of the region, talk to friends and family about what you learn, boycott Israeli products and companies that collaborate with Israel, look outside of mainstream media for factual news reporting and express open solidarity with the Palestinian people - do not stay silent and keep on resisting.
The total purchase price (less payment processing fees by Stripe/ Paypal) will be donated to the charity, and you get to keep a grumpy girl to remind you that resistance is existence. UK shipping is free. Shipping elsewhere is £15 flat rate.
The total height is approximately 14cm.
My pieces are painted in a naïve and simple style, with visible brush strokes and differing paint consistencies. It is important to note that these dolls are made from real wood which will have naturally occurring markings and grain, and sometimes there will be small amount of bleeding along the grain, which is to be expected when using untreated wood - please make sure you consult the pictures carefully before purchasing. Finished in a top coat of matt acrylic.
Stamped underneath with 'blue bear' in red ink.
Please note: THIS IS NOT A TOY and should be kept out of the reach of children.
