The Palestinian literary community is in mourning following the devastating loss of renowned writer and literature professor Refaat Alareer, who died in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City on Wednesday. Dr. Alareer, a beloved figure known for his contributions to literature and his fierce advocacy for Palestinian rights, leaves behind a legacy of steadfast dedication to his people and their cause.

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Tragically, Dr. Alareer was not the sole casualty of this targeted strike; his brother, sister, and four of her children also perished, as confirmed by his grieving father-in-law. He is survived by his wife, Nusayba, and their children, who now must navigate a future without him.

Who was Refaat Alareer?

A stalwart figure in the academic world, Dr. Alareer had served as a professor of literature and creative writing at the Islamic University of Gaza since 2007. He earned a Ph.D. in English Literature at the Universiti Putra Malaysia. His commitment to nurturing the literary talents of the younger generation was evident through his involvement in “We Are Not Numbers,” a non-profit organisation born in the aftermath of Israel’s 2014 attack on Gaza. The organisation’s mission was to foster a new generation of Palestinian writers and thinkers, aiming to effect profound change for the Palestinian cause.

Dr. Alareer’s passionate condemnation of the ongoing atrocities committed against his people by Israeli forces, as well as his critique of successive US administrations that enabled these actions, was boldly expressed through his popular Twitter account, “Refaat in Gaza.” He used his platform to shed light on the suffering endured by Palestinians and to call for justice on their behalf.

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A poignant testament to Dr. Alareer’s foresight and resilience is a heartbreaking poem, pinned to his Twitter profile since November 1, which foretells the grim future he saw approaching while instilling hope in his followers during the darkest of times. He wrote: “If I must die, let it be a tale.”

The news of Dr. Alareer’s death has triggered an outpouring of grief and anger among his friends, colleagues, former students, and followers. Eminent writers, including Mosab Abu Toha, Porochista Khakpour, and Rupi Kaur, have joined in sharing heartfelt tributes. Kaur, who recently declined an invitation from the White House for Diwali celebrations due to their stance on the conflict, emphasised the profound impact of Dr. Alareer’s work and activism. Abu Toha talked about the times he picked strawberries with him.

In one of his final public interviews with Electronic Intifada, Dr. Alareer made a solemn vow, declaring that if necessary, he would defend his people with the same pen that he used to create art. His unwavering commitment to his homeland was a testament to the depth of his convictions. He said: “I’m an academic. Probably the toughest thing I have at home is an Expo marker. But if the Israelis invade, if the paratroopers charge at us, going from door to door, to massacre us, I am going to use that marker to throw it at the Israeli soldiers, even if that is the last thing that I do.”

Books by Refaat Alareer

Throughout his prolific career, Dr. Alareer made significant contributions to Palestinian literature. These works stand as powerful expressions of the resilience and humanity of the Palestinian people, documenting their struggles under Israeli occupation while holding onto the hope for a better future.

• Gaza Writes Back: Short Stories from Young Writers in Gaza, Palestine. This anthology of short stories showcases the talent and resilience of young Palestinian writers living in Gaza under Israeli military occupation.
• Gaza Unsilenced: Stories from the Heart of the Conflict. This collection of personal essays and stories provides an intimate glimpse into the lives of Palestinians in Gaza, offering a powerful counterpoint to the often-sensationalized media portrayal of the conflict.
• Light in Gaza: Writings Born of Fire. Refaat was a contributor to AFSC’s anthology. It is a collection of essays, poems, and stories, edited by Palestinian writer Jehad Abusalim. The book is a powerful and moving testament to the resilience and humanity of the Palestinian people, documenting their struggles under Israeli occupation and their unwavering hope for a better future. This book was featured in the #ReadPalestine week list.

At the time of writing, Hamas officials in Gaza say Israel has killed more than 17,177 people in its retaliatory campaign, including about 7,000 children. In the 7 October attack, Hamas killed around 1,200 people and took 240 hostages, some of whom were released during a short-lived truce at the end of November.

Read: Mosab Abu Toha: prominent poet from Gaza ‘released’

As Palestinians mourn the loss of Dr. Refaat Alareer, the world is reminded of the profound impact a writer and scholar can have on the hearts and minds of those who seek justice and a brighter tomorrow. His legacy will endure as a beacon of hope and resistance in the face of adversity, a reminder of the enduring power of words to inspire change.