A Memorable Evening with Judge Kholoud Al-Faqih

Judge Kholoud Al-Faqih

Imagine a sumptuous private home in Cambridge on a chilly, wet February evening. Walking between bronze statues that stood as sentinels or guides, more prominent against the backdrop of white snow drifts, I approached the rear entrance of the house.  To my surprise, as I turned the corner at the end of the walk way, I was greeted by a cauldron of blazing logs piled high. The warmth and light radiating from the outdoor fire surrounded me in a welcoming embrace. Upon entering, I noted with pleasure that the gathering of scholars and activists included an even more eclectic collection of ethnicities than usual.

Sentinels

According to the set procedure the guests first have a light dinner, eaten off small wooden trays with a slot for a glass of wine or water, while mingling and chatting, or preemptively choosing their seats for the "conversation" that will follow in the spacious living room, decorated with objets d'art from all over the world. The buffet table was a masterpiece in its own right: draped in rich silks, it was a treat to all the senses, proffering a bounty of delectable Middle-Eastern specialties served in gleaming chafing dishes. The colors, textures, and aromas tickled the palate  before savoring the first bite. Exquisitely embroidered and ornate vintage kufis [Islamic men's  caps], set out as decoration, captivated one's gaze under the flickering candles. The stage was set to enter into a different world.

One corner of the long buffet table

We had come together to hear one of only three existing women judges, all appointed in 2009, to serve in Shari'a courts, Judge Kholoud Al-Faqih. Considered among the top ten of the 100 most powerful women in the world, Judge Kholoud, the mother of three, fought her way into uncharted territory through in depth study of Shari'a law, which clearly states that women and men are equal. She broke through the glass ceiling by outperforming male candidates on the grueling bar examinations.  Setting an unprecedented example for women in Palestine and the whole Middle East, she presides over cases regarding family issues, marriage, divorce and inheritance. Working with the other two female judges, Kholoud is educating women about their civil and Islamic rights while collaborating to improve and change marriage and divorce laws. She is also promoting a greater understanding of the role of women in the Middle East and the status of women in Islam by addressing audiences such as ours. 

A small, soft spoken but powerful woman in her thirties, Judge Kholoud held us spellbound as she  shared her dreams and vision as a child, her struggles for recognition in a heavily male-dominated society, and most remarkably, in the religious courts where the only women, up to the time of her appointment, had been plaintiffs or victims. Her passion and dramatic descriptions of how she built her career, colored by a delightful sense of humor, were a testament to her ferocious drive to successfully advocate for women rights while adhering to the moral code and religious laws of Islam. 

Smiling and with a twinkle in her eye, she shared a vignette of her first day in court. A woman walked in, looked at her in total shock, and without uttering a word, quickly left to seek out a male judge. The situation rapidly changed as the word spread that a woman judge, whose expertise and fairness were unimpeachable, was ready to mediate or wage battle. Today, the line of women waiting for her to take up their cases stretches far down the hallway in the Halhul Courthouse.
I had the honor of speaking with Judge Kholoud and asking her a few questions. Her response was warm, forthright and personable. She spoke excellent English, not a surprise as I noticed she often corrected her translator during her presentation. I inquired if she had frequent cases of violence against women and what the most common penalties were. She replied that if there are clear signs of injuries, physical violence that such cases are passed on to the criminal courts. She deals with all aspects of family law.

Almost the last person to leave, I walked out into an even chillier night, past the soft glow of the smoldering cauldron. Enriched, inspired, and in awe of the determination and commitment of one woman, who against the highest odds imaginable, is bringing justice and equality to thousands in practice, millions as a role model, I felt elated and full of hope.

Love to all One Worlders,
Mei-Mei

[click on photos to enlarge]

Wherever you go, go with all your heart (Confucius)

The cauldron at the end of the evening