Hamas: the eHarmony of Radical Islam.

About 40 marriages have been arranged since Tayseer opened its matchmaking department in 2007. Most women apply in secret because it’s taboo for women in Gaza to seek husbands outside the traditional route. Most girls are married in matches set up by their mothers. Dating is nearly nonexistent and love marriages are a novelty.

Tahani, who spoke on condition that only her first name be used because she is using the service without her family knowing, said she turned to Tayseer a year ago. Her mother died when Tahani was young, and none of her relatives were helping her find a groom.

The young woman said she became more determined to find a husband after Israel ‘s three-week war on Hamas, which ended in January. Israel’s assault killed hundreds of civilians, and Gaza’s residents hunkered down in homes and shelters during the shelling, not knowing where bombs would fall next. [We were wondering how AP Palestinian writer Diaa Hadid would work in the propaganda angle. – ed.]

“My brothers held their wives when they were scared. I felt lonely,” said Tahani, a university graduate in social work.

Most women are shy when they first come in the door, said Tayseer matchmaker Nisrin Khalil, 21.