Stories make us | Refaat Alareer | TEDxShujaiya

Refaat Alareer’s major concern was that older people’s stories aka the oral history is dying out because due to modern technology we stopped caring about stories. “I am the man I am because of the stories told to me by my mother and grandmother,” he states.
As Palestinians under occupation, storytelling transcends the didactic value to an urgent need to owning our narrative, something that gives back power to the people rather than the elite. Stories that people can tell about a land are proofs of their right to that land.
Editor of "Gaza Writes Black", RefaatAlareer teaches Creative Writing and World Literature at the Islamic University, Gaza. Alareer has an MA in Comparative Literature from University of London. After the Israeli aggression of 2008 on Gaza, Alareer expanded his interest to include young Palestinian writers in storytelling as a form of growth, understanding and resistance.
Refaat believes in storytelling and its role in building and shaping individuals and communities. "We are what stories have been told to us," he says. In Gaza, storytelling, an activity that has been diminishing recently, has always been women's strategy to exercise power and overcome men's dominance.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@アセマ]

Refaat said: "If I must die, you must live to tell my story to sell my things to buy a piece of cloth and some strings, (make it white with a long tail) so that a child, somewhere in Gaza while looking heaven in the eye awaiting his dad who left in a blaze- and bid no one farewell not even to his flesh not even to himself- sees the kite, my kite you made, flying up above and thinks for a moment an angel is there bringing back love If I must die let it bring hope let it be a tale. "

[@Maniagio]

I love this poem so much 💙💙💙💙💙

[@williamschlass6371]

"Buy a piece of cloth (make it white with a long tail)" He's telling Gazans to surrender, they should listen to him.

[@Maniagio]

@@williamschlass6371 it's poetry and I won’t say ur analysis is wrong but let me explain to you. In Islam when someone dies we wrap them in a piece of clothes so by definition buying a piece of cloth can mean that someone is dead and they need to be buried but then he also uses the piece of clothes and connects it to a kite . So my personal thinking is that he wants children in Gaza despite all the bombing and death of their loved ones he wants them to see death as something that’s merely part of life. I can be wrong but Ofc he won’t want his people to sell their land to the occupiers. May Allah have mercy on him

[@williamschlass6371]

@@ManiagioWouldn't seling their land be preferable to being removed by force if that's what it comes down to?

[@Maniagio]

@@williamschlass6371 I understand where ur coming from but would u want ur whole life to be controlled by some people? They can’t even pray in the prayer places without them being watched by the Israeli military so imagine if they give in to them their whole life would be controlled so it’s better for them to show strength and fight against them

[@yusufc882]

Now he is a story. He become story. We are telling story his life as a brave man ... May Allah mercy on him...

[@alialmaashani5267]

Free Palestine 🇵🇸

[@Maniagio]

May Allah have mercy on him Ameen

[@JaeEss-z9x]

Ameen

[@fatmataberete2238]

Aameen

[@shovanbijoy7136]

Ameen

[@Sandrine-sr8eq]

not only have i been following professor refaat but i’ve also watched his ted talk, reposted many of his posts, reading stories about his students getting murdered, every painful detail, i can’t believe this, i am utterly heartbroken. gaza just keeps losing their loudest voices everyday. how many more??????

[@winonafrog]

😓 🍉🍓🫒 may he be at peace in highest heaven

[@woelph]

This great man is no longer with us 💔 he's a martyr. He was killed by the Israel military forces.

[@nourddinebgb]

💔💔

[@xAntoIRL]

[@adamsdailydriveway]

Allah yerhamo 🙏🏼

[@woelph]

@@adamsdailydriveway Amin ya rab 🤲

[@8yh451]

I just came here to listen to him again after I heard the news

[@DennisAguinaldo]

“Let us go back home.” We hope for more stories in your name. Rest in peace, Professor.

[@9800nathan]

I am a teacher - I will be teaching his collection of short stories from Gaza.

[@raghdaalqaisi2789]

​@@9800nathan that's amazing bless you

[@HelloKitty-we3ht]

May he rest in pi-ss

[@xHaniffax]

My heart is aching. Rest in power, Refaat. Tell your stories in Jannah.

[@masaizamuya4477]

R.I.P. my brother ... Your work will never be forgotten... Your courage and spirit will inspire us to continue to fight against colonialism and oppression wherever it exists in the world ... One love ❤️ One mother earth ❤️🌍 We are one ... Truth, justice first ... then peace will follow 🙏🏼

[@HelloKitty-we3ht]

May he rest in pi-ss

[@patshaw4920]

The pen is mightier than the sword. RIP Professor

[@tahsinarahman168]

R.I.P Refaat Alareer! Thank you for standing up for your homeland and for being brave 🇵🇸💔🕊

[@hassantamer1360]

رحمك الله، دكتور رفعت. المجد للشهداء. المجد لفلسطين 🇵🇸

[@abdulrahmanomar6858]

"If this is your homeland tell me your stories", touching :)

[@Poum1935Alavictoria]

And now 😢

[@williamschlass6371]

Read the bible... they're all there. Meanwhile, the Arabs didn't enter the area until the Muslim conquests in the 7th and 8th centuries.

[@Never_again_against_anyone]

​@@williamschlass6371If you like the bible do much, remember the Canaanites. The ancient Israelites were not any more the natives of that land than the modern Israelis are.

[@williamschlass6371]

@@Never_again_against_anyoneMore native than the "Palestinians". Look in genetic studies on the topic, they're very enlightening.

[@Nobodyhere94]

May Allahs Mercy be upon you, dear Dr. Refaat. We will carry your stories, cherish and tell them to the world. ❤

[@JaeEss-z9x]

Ameen

[@HelloKitty-we3ht]

May he rest in pi-ss

[@yousefebrahim3473]

I’ll never forget you, Refaat. Your light will shine on forever, your stories will keep you immortal

[@KGraceSpeaksKea1335]

I heard of him for the first time today. I agree with you. May he rest in peace.

[@HelloKitty-we3ht]

May he rest in pi-ss

[@jns61962]

The story of Palestine will never die because of martyrs such as Professor Alareer. 🙏🇵🇸🤲

[@ereyes312]

I came here after finding out he was murdered by the IDF. R.I.P. Refaat. 😞🇵🇸

[@winonafrog]

they have taken so many writers, so many professors, historians, fathers…😓

[@balanbaalis123]

Me tooo😢😢😢😢

[@viapropria]

I will tell your story. And I will tell more stories to my kids. Thank you.

[@AttiaBatool-g4v]

My son likes stories so much he is three years old and now I started to tell him the stories of Palestine....

[@raghdaalqaisi2789]

​@@AttiaBatool-g4v I am having goosebumps from the amount of people saying they will share his stories and the stories of Palestinian people. Bless you

[@abdinasiromarshariff6163]

Refaat is a legend👏

[@olgadmitr1]

It's absolutely heartbreaking. They are targeting best people.

[@riana902]

We will never forget you brother . I can't believe he's gone 😭😭😭😭

[@user-bz1ym7qj6d]

Rest in peace my new Professor . You are teaching me things even you are already gone. I will always remember you as my great Proffessor.

[@MsAlexlaura]

Refaat, you will never die. Your stories will always be remembered and told again and again.

[@HelloKitty-we3ht]

May he rest in pi-ss

[@MsAlexlaura]

@@HelloKitty-we3ht may you get whatever you deserve in life, Zio.

[@HelloKitty-we3ht]

@@MsAlexlaura you mean prosperity and happy life? Thanks 😊

[@عمروخالد-ح6ظ]

​@@HelloKitty-we3ht😂😂😂😂💩💩💩💩💩💩

[@89chani]

Rest in power and peace Professor 💔🙏🏽

[@purrrfectenglishkitty2274]

I can't watch it without bursting in tears .. such kind man. You will forever in my heart ,

[@Umar-fm3vs]

May Allah grant you the highest ranking in paradise.

[@ringostar4904]

RIP bro, your story will never be forgotten. Your life will never be forgotten.

[@lakramtisiham5406]

Great man who wrote great story. الله يرحمك مع الشهداء

[@hareecionelson5875]

That guy's mind is something else, sometimes you hear people like this and you try to figure out how their mind works and even when you fail you're still happy just to be there

[@wanderingindigomanticore4920]

How could isreal be so cruel.. This good sir was well a few days ago..he said he would write more poems and books if he survived this genoc1de. But sadly he didn't 😢💔💔💔

[@pencokun]

Rest in peace, dr. Ar'eer. You are not just a number, we will continue telling your stories. May you and your family be welcomed by Allah with open arms

[@emanalharbi4322]

My heart goes heavy for losing such a great man and scholar. May Allah rest him in peace and Marcy 💔💔💔💔❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸

[@laibawahid297]

Don't call him dead he is now alive forever.

[@masaizamuya4477]

I hope you and Benjamin Zephaniah will meet and inspire us to share your great poems and stories ... Raising our collective consciousness to the next level of compassion and empathy to all living beings ❤

[@sanjazuljevic8046]

❤

[@Darkside_-wu4mo]

may god rest his beautiful soul.

[@The_Jishan]

We shall remember you, Professor. Insha'Allah. May Allah grant you Jannah. Long live Palestine.

[@unfairweather]

Refaat we will continue to fight never forgetting you

[@nourh.1013]

The whole world indeed wants to know your stories. Rest in power Refaat.

[@fonzdaii]

He brings a very good point about having other's memories live within you through their story telling. We shall continue to tell your story. May you rest in peace.

[@winonafrog]

he is with us forever

[@Zaytoonshaminsk]

Rest In Peace our beloved hero🙏🏾 your stories will continue to echo the whole universe! Thank you for your undying courage in teaching the truth to the whole world !

[@zubayershajib4282]

Although he is no more, his principles and struggles should remain alive

[@nonokes]

Rest in Peace 🌷🕊

[@walaaantar2771]

If we don't tell the stories of our grandparents to our kids,we are betraying the future! RESPECT, Sir.

[@Poum1935Alavictoria]

😢

[@winonafrog]

🤲🏼😓💗

[@TimaHypenoodles]

He was just killed by the IDF 😔

[@wedaa99]

Rest in power Refaat 💔

[@daniaa.oliva-pena7338]

Rest in peace . You will be remembered.

[@raya7878]

May Allah grant you jannah. Aamiin.

[@husnamardiah]

Rest in peace,🕊 Professor. Let us share your story with the world. The liberation of Palestine is near. ألا إن نصر الله قريب

[@HelloKitty-we3ht]

May he rest in pi-ss

[@HelloKitty-we3ht]

What is "paliestan"?

[@AliaSunnat]

Although Refaat could not see justice done in his lifetime, my sincerest prayer goes out to his children that they may see justice done in their lifetime!

[@digitaldina]

Allah yarhamak ya rafeef, you inspired me so much while you lived and will continue to do so. You story is one I told even during your time as an academic under bombardment and I will continue to tell them. 😢

[@samahziyad2891]

رحمة الله عليك ، ستبقى قصة تروى للأبد

[@jessimoleapen7471]

So sorry to hear of his passing. Those animals didn't let him live

[@ammoula2974]

Allah Yerhamak Refaat. Rest in Power. you will always be remembered as an exceptional story teller who loved his country Palestine.

[@henleyadrimar4571]

We will never forget your stories, Professor Refaat. Rest in Peace 🪁🕊️

[@nedkelly8495]

Sending greetings of solidarity from newzealand aotearoa

[@verhaltnismassig1169]

These storys we need and enjoy at the same time. They comfort and console us, Thank you so much, för your devotion and courage. Love from Germany.

[@emmaakins4720]

I saw this video and started sobbing at my desk. He will be forever missed and remembered. May Jannah be beautiful for him

[@alhamdulillah7209]

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un🤲🏽

[@misomiso2969]

إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّآ إِلَيْهِ رَٰجِعُونَ Rest in Peace Dr Refaat, I will never let you become forgotten. 🇵🇸🕊

[@winonafrog]

🙏🏼🤲🏼🙏🏼

[@HelloKitty-we3ht]

May he rest in pi-ss

[@Angelbalqees]

الله يرحمك ويغفرلك ويسكنك فسيح جناته😢

[@aichael326]

His body isn't anymore alive on earth but his soul is still somewhere there, near God and in our heart

[@yaserthe1]

Refaat your dream became a reality. You are a Tale . Rest in Power.

[@MouhcineAlMansouri]

اللهم ارحمه يا رب 🤲 وانصر قومه على القوم الظالمين

[@emiliogutierrez3902]

Rest in Power professor.

[@jaywhangmakes]

Rest in peace, Refaat. You were an inspiration to us all.

[@fadhilahzaidan4946]

Innalilahi wa innailaihi roji'un.

[@tahmidamondal2081]

Inna lillahi wainna ilaihi raziun.. May Allah grant him jannatul ferdous ❤🇯🇴from 🇮🇳

[@TheTruthNothiingButTheTruth]

May The Almighty Grant him Al Ferdaus

[@YA7772]

May Allah have mercy on his soul and souls of his family members who were murdered by the Israeli army. Rest in peace.

[@آمنةرجب-ث7غ]

rest in peace ألف رحمة ونور

[@adyabdul8149]

May Allah grant him Jannah

[@jiyamehta7061]

💔💔💔💔 rest in power

[@SabrShukr-rz1wm]

Legend is martyred. But this message will carry on, InshaAllah !

[@DJB_02]

Rest in peace, sir

[@Hope4human]

Hasbunallahu wani’mal wakeel

[@Poum1935Alavictoria]

Rest In Peace

[@HypatiaMuse]

What a great loss, one of many in the past months. ❤

[@mugiwarano_rishi4595]

I’ll never let them forget.

[@thekareemarafa]

Rest in Peace my Friend

[@strngwthr11]

Heartbreaking. 💔

[@joanna9677]

Rest in Peace, Refaat.

[@SusanMitchell-bv8sg]

RIP Refaat. We will never forget your story. It's power has moved the world.

[@rafamcnamara4755]

Please keep telling the stories we need to hear! Send my love respect and gratitude to all of the brave souls who tell the stories others don't want to hear!

[@a.d.3606]

Unfortunately, Refaat was killed by the IDF yesterday. Please tell his story.

[@Ispitonhaters]

احياء عند ربهم يرزقون رحمة الله عليك وعلى كل شهداء غزة

[@mikeharrison1868]

I'm here because if attending a vigil for Palestine last night, where he was mentioned. We are not numbers.

[@dez_mond19]

R.I.P 💔 You are going to a better place than our unfair world . A place wher every right owner take his right ❤

[@bobi.here.]

rest in power and in peace professor ❤️🇵🇸 we'll keep telling and writing stories for you too and about you too

[@winonafrog]

I will think of him each family story i hear

[@Nayef1985]

جزاك الله خير يا دكتور رفعت رحمة الله عليك

[@TwinXBlaze]

Rest in peace 💔

[@WaseemSindhu]

The powerful message is: "If this is your land, tell me your stories".

[@anadelrosario3873]

Rest in peace. This world will miss you and remember you.

[@soniaabdelhedi3702]

اللهم تقبله عندك في الشهداء 😢😢😢😢

[@rfthld6188]

Death sometimes makes us more stronger and infleuntial than our lifes and Refaat Alareer (may Allah bring him to his Rahmet) now is more influential over his audience

[@ethanhunt2950]

This legendary MAN was killed by Israel on December 7.

[@siogbeagbideach]

Just dropping by to listen to this lovely man, I will not forget your story RIP

[@jurminahmed8442]

Great inspiration, may his soul rest in rip and may Allah grant him highest of Jannah...

[@samahziyad2891]

If I must die by Refaat Alareer If I must die, you must live to tell my story to sell my things to buy a piece of cloth and some strings, (make it white with a long tail) so that a child, somewhere in Gaza while looking heaven in the eye awaiting his dad who left in a blaze and bid no one farewell not even to his flesh not even to himself sees the kite, my kite you made, flying up above and thinks for a moment an angel is there bringing back love If I must die let it bring hope let it be a tale Refaat Alareer - killed by isreal on the 7th of December 2023

[@حمزةالسر-ح6غ]

فكر جديدة قديمة بطرح جميل أحييك على تقديمك لقضية هامة جدا ومعقدة في إطار بسيط جدا جزاك الله خيرا

[@winonafrog]

please God bless him

[@Haider08]

Rest in peace

[@ersain]

Rest in peace...

[@ammounaelhassouni922]

Rest in peace m'y brother You're a martyr

[@BashirMuhamed-ut1jh]

Innallilahi wa inaa ilahi rajuaun

[@majid3789]

If I must die, Let it be a tale