Meet Sumaya Al-Ghoul: Crochet and Company
Sumaya, 63, came to Taabu in Cairo because she did not want to stay home. She found crochet and women who understand, and hopes to sell keychains.
Pictured
Sumaya Al-Ghoul in glasses and a white headscarf sewing red and green felt pieces
FAJR’s leadership on Our TeamI didn’t want to stay at home. I wanted to meet people, keep myself active, and find something that could bring joy back into my days.
Sumaya Al-Ghoul, 63 | Palestinian Crochet Artisan
I’m Sumaya Al-Ghoul, and I’m 63. My husband was martyred during the 2008 war in Gaza. Years later, our family suffered another devastating loss when my daughter’s husband and her three daughters were martyred. My daughter survived.
Eventually, my daughter, my son, my grandson and I came to Egypt. Starting life in a new community has not been easy. I found it hard to connect with people, and I knew I didn’t want to spend all my time at home. That is what brought me to Taabu.
I already knew the basics of crochet, but here I was able to build my skills and feel more confident in what I make. I found a hobby that keeps me active and gives me something to look forward to.
I also found people. We sit together, talk, share what we are carrying, and remind one another that we are not alone. Sometimes I read the Quran with the other women. Hearing what others are going through helps us comfort and support one another.
Today, I’m thinking about what I can do with the skill I’ve built. At my age, and within what I am able to do, I would love to start small, making pieces like crochet keychains that I can sell and slowly turn into a source of income.
Taabu Club ran the Karama Project in Cairo with FAJR Global from April to September 2026, supporting displaced Palestinian women through handicrafts and emotional support.
