Launch: RAZING PALESTINE and VOICES OF RESISTANCE (with Samira Mohyeddin)

Join us for the double launch of Razing Palestine, edited by Leila Marshy; and Batool Abu Akleen, Sondos Sabra, Nahil Mohana, and Ala’a Obaid's Voices of Resistance. Hosted by Samira Mohyeddin.

ABOUT RAZING PALESTINE

For two years, the world watched in horror as 2 million people on 140 square miles of land bore an unprecedented and unfathomable pummelling by the Israeli Army. More bombs were dropped on Gaza than in World War II; more children killed, wounded and orphaned than in any other conflict of this century; more journalists and healthcare workers killed than in any other conflict ever; and entire towns and districts were reduced to dust.

Those who spoke about the carnage were punished by censure, sanction, smearing and worse. Across the country, journalists were muzzled, academics were stifled, doctors were fired, activists were arrested, and artists were banned. Words such as genocide and ceasefire were excised from the vocabulary, and criticism of the conflict invited accusations of antisemitism.

Razing Palestine brings together the testimonies and stories of a wide range of individuals across a variety of domains who have suffered the cost and consequences of speaking up for Palestine. As Palestine was razed, the courage and the voices of those who raised the issue must not be forgotten.

ABOUT VOICES OF RESISTANCE

For two years, the world has witnessed image after devastating image of Israel’s genocide in Gaza: videos, photos, and Instagram reels showing blanket bombardment, cities in ruin, and entire families pulled from the rubble of their homes. Such enormity can be difficult to process, but behind each image lie ordinary lives full of hope, love, and community.

In these diaries, four Gazan women—Batool Abu Akleen, Sondos Sabra, Nahil Mohana, and Ala’a Obaid—offer first-hand accounts of Israeli airstrikes, forced displacement, and engineered famine. These atrocities are documented alongside the everyday resilience of Palestinians: from the neighbour who fashions an ashtray from the shrapnel of an Israeli missile, to the street vendor who donates his last egg for a child’s birthday cake, to the community of displaced people who pool their resources to stage a traditional wedding. Even when displaced, under fire, forced to bury loved ones, or thrown at the mercy of a devastated health system, the writers of these diaries never abandon their humanity, their individuality, or their belief in the future of Gaza.

ALL PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF THIS BOOK WILL GO DIRECTLY TO THE WRITERS AND THEIR FAMILIES.

Also check out other Arts events in Toronto, Literary Art events in Toronto, Health & Wellness events in Toronto.