Global Day of Action to honour Palestinian poet Refaat Alareer

In memory of Palestinian poet, educator, and editor Refaat Alareer, who tragically lost his life under Israeli bombardment, a Global Day of Action is set to take place on January 15, 2024. This day marks forty days since Alareer’s passing and is initiated by Publishers for Palestine. The organisation calls for public readings of Refaat’s poetry as a form of protest against the ongoing genocide and occupation.

A global call for poetry and protest

Previously, in late November and early December, Publishers for Palestine encouraged the global community to engage with Palestinian literature during Read Palestine Week. The upcoming event expands on this initiative, urging people to vocalise their support by reading Palestinian works aloud in various public spaces, from workplaces to streets, as a collective act of resistance. The aim is to disrupt the norm and amplify Palestinian voices, using social media as a platform to share these readings.

Read: Refaat Alareer: books by Palestinian author killed in Gaza

Refaat Alareer, who lived from 1979 until his untimely death in 2023, was a renowned Palestinian poet and professor. His influential poem “If I Must Die” has been translated into numerous languages, serving as a symbol of global solidarity and resistance against the suppression of Palestinian identity and life. His literary legacy is a call to action for the continued struggle for a free Palestine.

Read: #ReadPalestine week: 300 publishers support free book cause

Gazan poet Basman Aldirawi commemorated Refaat’s life and work through his poetry, echoing the sentiments of many who admired Alareer’s contributions.

Week-long events and worldwide participation

From January 15 to 21, a week of events is planned, including poetry readings, author talks, and more, organised by various publishers, bookstores, and literary groups. These events, both physical and virtual, aim to honour Refaat and other silenced Palestinian writers. The overarching theme is the refusal to remain silent in the face of attempts to silence Palestinian voices through occupation, censorship, and other means. The hashtag #LetItBeATale is central to this movement.

Supporters are encouraged to participate by reading and sharing the poem “If I Must Die” in various languages, available for download at the Publishers for Palestine site. Booksellers are encouraged to distribute free copies, while publishers are asked to involve their authors and readers in the cause. Musicians and artists are also invited to integrate the poem into their creative expressions.

Additionally, the public is urged to actively participate in demonstrations, contact government representatives to advocate for Palestinian rights, and amplify Palestinian voices, particularly from Gaza, through online platforms.

The Global Day of Action also serves as a reminder of other Palestinian poets and writers who have lost their lives under similar circumstances, including Hiba Abu Nada, Salim al-Naffar, and others, whose works are available in various translations, highlighting the ongoing struggle and resilience of the Palestinian literary community.