Breaking Barriers on the Court

Amera Ismael, Gaza’s first woman with a FIBA referee license
Untold Palestine
November 23, 2021
Gaza, Palestine
Story by:
Mahmoud Ajjour

Amera Ismael 23 years old, graduated from the college of pharmacy Al Azhar University

Amera holding a basketball on the court

"I admire basketball games since I was a child. My training started during my undergraduate studies with Champions Club.

Training session led by Amera


In August 2021, I've got the international judge license from the international basketball federation (FIBA), after I passed the exams.

Girls playing a basketball match

Amera leading warm-up stretches

And so I became the first girl gets a signal referee in Gaza.

Amera filling out a basketball scoresheet


It's an Important stage even if it was through the virtual world, being part of the jury is an achievement I’m proud of.

Basketball game in Gaza

Hope that we had more chances to prove ourselves."

Amera reviewing game notes