This powerful new book is a collection of recent interviews and historical narratives from Gazans and those who have spent extensive time working there. An impactful compilation, it reaches up to May of this year, offering poignant insights into Gaza’s cultural heritage and the ongoing erasure of its history.
The book sheds light on Gaza’s rich, centuries-old culture and the devastating losses it faces. For instance, an ancient bathhouse, used until as recently as 7th October, now lies in ruins. Another piece takes readers on an imaginary journey through old Gaza City, visiting a 4th-century church, the Omari Mosque, and ancient markets—all of which have been reduced to rubble.
Among these stories is an interview with a remarkable bookseller and artefact collector. His shop, crammed with history and memories of Gaza’s oldest families, was forcibly abandoned and subsequently destroyed. Photographs show his crowded bookshop, a testament to Gaza’s intellectual heritage. What has any of this to do with Hamas? This destruction reflects Israel’s broader attempt to erase Gaza’s history and identity.
Other stories detail Gaza’s Armenian photographers, who first brought photography to the city. Their contributions to the historical record are now in jeopardy. The book touches on broader losses as well, including the 6,000 Romani (Roma) people in Gaza’s north, already marginalised, who share a tragic history of genocide similar to the Jewish people during the Holocaust.
Throughout, the book weaves interviews with Gazans living through this violence. Some interviewees have since died; others have fled, while some remain in Gaza, enduring unimaginable hardships. Their words lay bare an unfolding tragedy. Among them are poets and writers who’ve penned love letters to Gaza, tributes to a place under siege. The narrative resonates with loss—of people, of history, and of cultural heritage—as Israel’s actions go beyond warfare to cultural annihilation.
If you want to understand Gaza, this book is essential reading. All proceeds go to Medical Aid for Palestinians. The editors are touring the UK, and attending a discussion offers a rare chance to engage with the book’s profound themes.
Art (51) Book Review (113) Books (114) Capitalism (65) China (77) Climate Emergency (97) Conservative Government (90) Conservative Party (45) COVID-19 (44) EcoSocialism (51) Elections (82) Europe (44) Fascism (54) Film (48) Film Review (61) France (69) Gaza (59) Imperialism (97) Israel (117) Italy (45) Keir Starmer (52) Labour Party (110) Long Read (42) Marxism (47) Palestine (145) pandemic (78) Protest (146) Russia (326) Solidarity (128) Statement (47) Trade Unionism (133) Ukraine (328) United States of America (124) War (360)