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Portrait of Refaat Alareer

Refaat Alareer

Inspiring Teacher, Poet, Cultural Contributor

Born
23 September 1979
Born in
Shuja’iyya neighborhood, east of Gaza City, Palestine
Read Refaat’s story3 videosAsk about Refaat

Why Refaat is here

Refaat Alareer is celebrated for his significant contributions to Palestinian culture and education. As a professor of English literature at the Islamic University in Gaza, he was a respected intellectual figure and an influential voice in the community. His work not only provided academic insights but also served as a form of resistance and empowerment under challenging conditions.

Their story

Refaat Alareer (1979–2023) was born in Shuja'iyya, in Gaza City. He studied English in Gaza, London and Malaysia, where he pursued doctoral research, and taught literature and creative writing at the Islamic University of Gaza.

He edited the anthology Gaza Writes Back and co-founded We Are Not Numbers, pairing young Gaza writers with mentors abroad. He was killed in an Israeli airstrike on 6 December 2023 with his brother, his sister and her children. His poem "If I Must Die" has since been read, translated and flown on kites across the world.

Milestones

The moments that shaped Refaat’s path.

  1. 2004

    Taught English in the ACCESS Microscholarship programme in Gaza, as remembered by his former student.

  2. 2007

    Began teaching literature and creative writing at the Islamic University of Gaza.

  3. 2014

    Organized and participated in a speaking tour in the US for "Gaza Writes Back.".

  4. 2015

    Co-founded We Are Not Numbers, pairing young Palestinian writers with international mentors.

  5. 2023

    Killed in an Israeli airstrike on 6 December 2023.

    Watch

Legacy

What they built, changed and left behind.

  1. Gaza Writes Back

    Edited this anthology of short stories by young Palestinian writers, showcasing their narratives and experiences.

  2. We Are Not Numbers (WANN)

    Co-founded the project to tell Palestinian stories beyond casualty statistics.

  3. Teaching and Mentorship

    Inspired and nurtured young minds as a professor of literature, encouraging the creation of new Palestinian literature.

  4. Cultural Ambassador

    Actively participated in international speaking tours to raise awareness of Palestinian issues and culture.

    Watch

  5. Literary Contributions

    Authored and contributed to several literary works that highlight the Palestinian experience and struggle.

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Watch & listen

Refaat in interviews, talks and coverage.

  • 01Watch on YouTube↗

  • 02Watch on YouTube↗

  • 03Cultural Ambassador↗

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