Mahmoud Alshaer, a 2022 BuildPalestine Alumni Fellow and the founder of the Gaza-based cultural space 28 Magazine, has published his work in two powerful new books. This achievement comes after the physical hub for the magazine—a vital space for young Palestinian creatives—was destroyed in a bombing.
From a Bombed Cultural Hub to the Global Stage
28 Magazine was more than just a publication; it was a vibrant cultural space in Gaza where young Palestinians gathered for writing workshops, art, film screenings, and poetry nights. After the space was bombed and reduced to rubble, its 28 printed issues were lost. Despite this devastating loss and the ongoing conflict, its founder, Mahmoud Alshaer, continued to write, ensuring that the voices and stories from Gaza would still find their way to the world.
Two Powerful New Books Carry the Voices of Gaza
Mahmoud Alshaer’s work now lives on in two significant new publications that offer a window into life under siege:
- Letters from Gaza: Published by Penguin SEA, this book contains urgent testimonies and poetic fragments from 30 Gazans living through the war.
- Gaza! Gaza! Gaza!: Published in the renowned ArabLit Quarterly, this issue is a cultural mosaic of fiction, essays, and poetry from Gazan writers.
An Act of Cultural Resistance
These publications are being framed not just as literary works, but as a profound act of cultural resistance and preservation. As the original announcement stated, “They are everything bombs couldn’t erase.” The books represent the resilience of the Palestinian spirit and the enduring power of art and literature in the face of destruction.
Looking Ahead
The release of these books is accompanied by a call to action for the international community to engage with these stories. By reading and sharing these works, supporters can help carry the voices of Gaza’s writers and artists forward, ensuring their testimonies are heard on the global stage.
Source: Letters from Gaza
