Yesterday evening, the second 50a50 book club became a space for debate and emotion around Aliades, the book by Txell Feixas i Torras, which takes us to the refugee camp of Shatila, in Lebanon. With an enthusiastic turnout, the session began with a synopsis of the book, setting us in a harsh and hostile environment where hope seeps through small cracks.

Feixas’ narrative introduced us to the story of Majdi, a Palestinian facade painter who, faced with the grim future awaiting many girls in the camp, decided to form a women’s basketball team. More than just a sports project, this team became an escape route from a fate marked by forced marriages, gender-based violence, and honor crimes.

The club’s participants highlighted the powerful testimonies of the players and how the network of solidarity among women has been key to their survival. The discussion revolved around the importance of education, sports, and sisterhood as tools for social transformation. There was also reflection on Feixas’ role in shedding light on these often-invisible stories.

The exchange of ideas was intense and thought-provoking. The book left us with a lingering question: how many alliesdoes it take to change the world? The 50a50 book club will continue to be a space to find answers.

See you at the next session!