It Could Happen Here It Could Happen Here

CZM Book Club: Two Stories from Gaza Writes Back, edited by Refaat Alareer

Jun 28, 2026 · 45m

Summary

Host Margaret Kiljoy presents excerpts from the anthology *Gaza Writes Back*, edited by the late Rafat Al-Arir. The episode features two short stories by young Palestinian writers, Sarah Ali and Hanan Habashi, detailing personal experiences of loss, occupation, and resilience in Gaza. It concludes with Al-Arir’s poem "If I Must Die," highlighting storytelling as an act of resistance and memory.

Topics discussed

Intro ads for Cascade, Simon Malls, PrEP, and Sky Pop Welcome to Cool Zone Media Book Club and intro to Gaza Writes Back Reading: The Story of the Land by Rafat Al-Arir Host commentary on the power of memoir and olive trees Mid-roll ads for Dawn, Simon Malls, Lingo Kids, and Sky Pop Intro to second story: L for Life by Hanan Habashi Reading: L for Life by Hanan Habashi (Part 1) Ad break featuring Dawn, Simon Malls, Lingo Kids, and Sky Pop Reading: L for Life by Hanan Habashi (Part 2) Host reflection on grief, humanity, and the stories Tribute to Rafat Al-Arir and his poem If I Must Die Reading: If I Must Die by Rafat Al-Arir Author bios and where to find Gaza Writes Back Outro and final ads for Sky Pop, Simon Malls, Lingo Kids, Startpage
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