A Date with a Literary Scholar: Refaat Alareer

On October 21, 2013, Dr. Haslina has invited Mr. Refaat Alareer to give a talk for our course in Falimbani room, FBMK. 

Dr. Haslina gives remarks for the talk

Mr. Refaat is a poet and he owns a blog named http://thisisgaza.wordpress.com/. Here is some of the information about him.

Name: Refaat Alareer

Homeland: Gaza, Palestine

Profession: English Literature lecturer in The Islamic University of Gaza

Mr. Refaat Alreer

During the sharing session, he firstly talked about his homeland; Gaza. He explained further about the history of Palestine and showed the change of map of Palestine from 1946 until now.

image from: http://www.juancole.com/2010/03/map-story-of-palestinian-nationhood.html

Then, he briefly explained about some events and situation that happened in Palestine, mostly in Gaza and West Bank. His briefing about those events for example during Cast Lead in 2008/2009, really open our eyes about the brutality of Zionist army towards Palestine people. Mr. Refaat afterwards told us that for Palestinian people to free themselves from the occupation, they need to find a way and writing is the most effective way to tell about their suffering to the world. Next, he showed a list of Palestinian poets who are active in writing poems:

Poets that write in Arabic language:

1. Mahmoud Darwish

2. Tamim Borgouti

Poets that write in English language:

1. Rafeef Ziadah (We Teach Life, Sir)

source: youtube

2. Susan Abulhawa (Wala!)

3. Remi Kanazi

After that, he told why he writes poems in English instead of writing them in Arabic. His purpose was to let people know and totally view him as who he really was as a Palestinian people. He also told us about his story of initial journey in writing poetry by analysing the surrounding, people and situation, and he gave some tips to write poetry which can be a guideline for us:

1. Read a lot of good and high quality poetry

2. Believe that you can write good stuff

3. Have a will to do so

4. Scribble your thoughts (always)

5. Be yourself (your own style)

6. The importance of freewriting when there is an idea.

during the session

He also talked about “sumud” which means steadfastness that the Palestinian people hold on to when it comes about their life. An hour later, we had the Q&A session with Mr. Refaat. We take the chances to ask questions and knew more about him. These are some of the questions and answers for the session that have been summarized.

Q&A session

1. Q: Who is your favourite poet and why?

    A: John Donne because he is amazing and creative poet. I love his poetry and works and   how he likes to play with words. Then, T. S. Elliot. (another favourite poet).

2. Q: How is the state of education on children and women in Gaza?

    A: Actually women get good education here. There are five universities there and women have same education like men. Since there is the restriction about the education that the children should have, so there is no problem regarding education on children and women.

3. Q: What is the symbol of olive picture in your blog?

    A: For Palestinian people, olive symbolizes the men and land so it is important in our culture. It is also symbolizes the existence of Palestinians.

For me, this talk really provides benefit and inspiration to people who are really serious about being a poet. There is no restriction and limited guideline about being a poet. As far as we have the determination and goals about what we are doing, it is enough. Mr. Refaat also give some other tips about when we start doing something, it is necessary to find the skills that give us potential and expand it with our creativity.