Mariam Farahat: The Khansa of Palestine
Mariam Farahat was a Palestinian activist, politician, and leader in the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas). She served as a deputy in the Legislative Council of Gaza for the Change and Reform Bloc. Born in 1949, she led a life filled with stories of sacrifice and became known as the “Khansa of Palestine” after her sons joined the Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas. Three of her sons were martyred in action. She passed away in 2013 after a prolonged battle with illness.
Early Life and Education
Mariam Mohammed Youssef Mahis Farahat was born on December 24, 1949, in the Shujaiya neighborhood in eastern Gaza, Palestine. She grew up in a modest family with 10 brothers and 5 sisters. She excelled in her studies, completing her primary education in Gaza and attending Al-Zahraa Secondary School. Despite marrying early in high school, she pursued her education, earning her high school diploma while expecting her first child.
Mariam Farahat passed away on March 17, 2013, at Shifa Hospital and was laid to rest in the Martyrs’ Cemetery (Social Media).
Struggle and Activism
From her early years, she was influenced by the events surrounding the Nakba and later experienced the 1956 Tripartite Aggression on Egypt. This shaped her national awareness as she witnessed the setback in 1967. By the late 1970s and early 1980s, she became involved with the Islamic movement and served as the secretary of the Islamic Assembly. Following the establishment of Hamas in 1987, she joined the movement, providing sanctuary for activists from the Al-Qassam Brigades at her home. Notably, she sheltered and supported Emad Akel, one of the key founders of the brigades, and his comrades, despite being only 22 years old at the time.
In November 1993, her house was besieged by 60 armored vehicles, leading to a fierce confrontation resulting in the martyrdom of Emad and his comrades, who refused to surrender. Her sons also joined the Al-Qassam Brigades, while she continued to support them and engage in religious and women’s foundational work. Despite the hardships inflicted by the Israeli blockade in 2006, Mariam traveled with council delegations to procure aid from various countries.
“Khansa of Palestine”
Her reputation grew in 2002 when she appeared in a video bidding farewell to her 17-year-old son, Mohammed, urging him to become a martyr for the sake of Allah and the resistance against the Israeli occupation. This event marked her sons’ involvement in operations targeting Israeli military personnel and settlements. Notably, in 2003, her eldest son, Nidal, a field commander in the Al-Qassam Brigades, was assassinated.
Her third son, Ruwaid, known for his expertise in military manufacturing and explosive devices, was targeted by Israeli forces in 2005, further illustrating Mariam’s enduring commitment and sacrifice. As a result of her sons’ actions, she was hailed by Palestinians as the “Khansa of Palestine,” reminiscent of the historical figure Tumadir bint Amr, who encouraged her four sons to engage in jihad alongside the Rashidun Caliphate’s army during the Battle of al-Qadisiyyah, receiving news of their martyrdom with patience and steadfastness.
Her fourth son, Wissam, also known as “Abu Hussein,” spent approximately 11 years in Israeli prisons. Despite his release in 2005, he too was later assassinated.
Mariam Farahat, with her martyr sons, two members of the Al-Qassam Brigades (left: Wissam, right: Momen).
Roles and Responsibilities
Mariam held various roles, including secretary of the Islamic Assembly, president of the Bright Stars Association for the care of martyrs’ children, and member of the Legislative Council for the Change and Reform Bloc in 2006.
Passing
In her final days, Mariam suffered from severe liver cirrhosis and intestinal inflammation. She traveled to Cairo for treatment but returned to Gaza shortly before her passing, with doctors immediately admitting her to intensive care. She passed away on March 17, 2013, at Shifa Hospital and was buried in the Martyrs’ Cemetery in eastern Gaza, alongside her three sons, following a grand funeral attended by thousands, including senior Hamas leaders.
The story of Mariam Farahat, known as the “Khansa of Palestine,” reflects a life of resilience, sacrifice, and dedication to the Palestinian cause. Her unwavering commitment to her sons’ involvement in resistance efforts has cemented her legacy as an icon of Palestinian steadfastness and strength.
