Renowned Palestinian poet, writer, literature professor, and activist Dr. Refaat Alareer lost his life today in a targeted Israeli airstrike, alongside his brother, sister, and four of her children. He is survived by his wife, Nusayba, and their children.
Dr. Alareer, a cherished professor at the Islamic University of Gaza since 2007, was known for his impactful literary contributions. He co-edited “Gaza Unsilenced” (2015) and edited “Gaza Writes Back: Short Stories from Young Writers in Gaza, Palestine” (2014). In his poignant piece for the 2022 collection “Light in Gaza: Writings Born of Fire,” titled “Gaza Asks: When Shall this Pass?”, he expressed hope amid the struggles faced by Gaza.
As a founder of We Are Not Numbers, a nonprofit born in the aftermath of Israel’s 2014 attack, Dr. Alareer aimed to empower a new generation of Palestinian writers and thinkers.
Through his Twitter account, “Refaat in Gaza,” Dr. Alareer consistently condemned atrocities by Israeli forces and criticized U.S. administrations that enabled them. His profound poetry, shared since November 1, foretells a somber future yet exudes resilience.
The news of his passing has triggered an outpouring of grief and anger among friends, colleagues, former students, and followers.