Women of Hamas

Four Palestinian women, each with a different background, discuss their lives as followers of Hamas. The controversial political organization came to power in 2006 when it defeated its opponent Fatah in Palestinian elections. Despite the party's ultra-conservative views, it apparently provides women in the Gaza Strip with many opportunities to develop both politically and as soldiers. We watch veiled women deliver passionate speeches and lead demonstrations. Their entire lives are characterized by struggle - marriage is only about bearing children to be raised as freedom fighters. Footage of a Hamas kindergarten make it clear that the militancy doesn't just come from nowhere. Young children sing at the top of their voices, "We will be against America and Israel!" Sadness over sons who died as martyrs is only permitted to a certain extent. "He's in paradise," one woman snarls at a hysterical mother. "I wish I was the mother of a martyr." The battle songs and heroic footage of deceased fighters make it even clearer: martyrdom knows no sadness. Not even for a mother.