Militant Hamas gets into the Matchmaking Business
This is NOT the Onion:
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.
“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.
“I tell the girls, be like Khadija!” said Khalil, referring to the Prophet Muhammad’s first wife.
Muslim tradition says Khadija proposed to Muhammad — and was years his senior. It’s a powerful message to women: Islam’s first lady bucked conservative Arab tradition more than 1,400 years ago and they can defy Gaza tradition now.
The applicants, who pay a fee of $10-$70, are divided into categories according to their eligibility. Women under 25 are easiest to marry off; more challe