Photo credit: www.npr.org
Palestinian poet Mosab Abu Toha is currently residing in Syracuse, N.Y., where he holds a fellowship at Syracuse University alongside his wife and three children.
In the aftermath of the attacks on October 7, 2023, Abu Toha and his family fled their home in Gaza, which was later reduced to rubble following a bombing. He reflects on their loss with a poignant statement: “I say that I am houseless, but I am not homeless. I have a home to return to, which is Palestine.” Initially, the family sought refuge in a camp, but after it was bombed, they were forced to relocate to a school repurposed as a temporary shelter by UNRWA. They eventually obtained passports, allowing their exit from Gaza. However, their journey was fraught with danger; while crossing into Egypt, Abu Toha was detained for two days and experienced physical abuse at the hands of Israeli soldiers, who mistakenly accused him of being affiliated with Hamas.
Abu Toha has shared his family’s harrowing experiences in various publications, including The New Yorker, The New York Times, and The Washington Post, as well as in his new poetry collection, Forest of Noise. He describes the deep-rooted losses he faces, recounting, “My losses started the day I was born,” detailing the trauma of losing childhood, family, and home to conflict.
Now settled in Syracuse, Abu Toha struggles with the emotional weight of leaving behind his extended family in Gaza. He articulates the painful decision, saying, “If there was one reason why I left Gaza, it was just to save my children because I couldn’t provide food to everyone in Gaza.” He reflects on the impossibility of being present with loved ones in a conflict zone, where his presence would mean shared suffering rather than safety.
Interview Highlights
On the State of His Family in Gaza
Abu Toha shares the despair of his family still in Gaza. His father and two siblings relocated amidst the chaos, while a sister and her children remain in northern Gaza. Their communications paint a grim picture, with one voice message revealing the sounds of gunfire and airstrikes.
“People do not feel safe inside their houses; they could be bombed at any moment, just like what happened to our house,” he says, emphasizing that the situation affects countless families.
On Explaining the Situation to His Children
The poet reflects on the emotional aftermath of their journey, particularly concerning his children. Shortly after leaving Gaza, they often inquired about their relatives and friends. He recalls a moment when his daughter mourned a lost friend, highlighting the deep emotional scars violence inflicts on young minds. While the questions about Gaza have subsided, he acknowledges the complexity of this silence—both a relief and a concern.
On Facing Childhood Trauma Again
Abu Toha states, “My frightening childhood shaped me,” illustrating how his past experiences continue to haunt him as a parent. He recalls the constant sounds of conflict in Gaza and expresses his fears for his children’s safety and well-being, detailing the struggles to secure basic needs in the face of starvation and violence.
On Eating While Others Starve
He poignantly describes the guilt that accompanies his family’s access to food, particularly when his child worries about their relatives remaining in Gaza. “It is terrible to be a parent in Gaza,” he states, capturing the weight of empathy his children feel towards those left behind.
On the Use of the Term “Genocide” [Editor’s Note: The term ‘genocide’ carries significant legal implications and remains a matter of debate in international discussions, with ongoing allegations regarding Israel’s actions against Palestinians.]
Abu Toha addresses the controversial nature of the term, pointing to the current devastation in Gaza and the historical context that led to these events. “Why do we have to wait until genocide has occurred to call it what it is?” he questions, urging a more immediate recognition of the suffering inflicted on Gazans.
On the Politics Surrounding Hamas
Abu Toha distinguishes between the actions of Hamas and the collective identity of Palestinian people, asserting that the group does not represent all Palestinians. He redirects the conversation towards the underlying issues that led to the current crisis, stating that these problems have persisted for decades, and that addressing them is crucial for any potential resolution, even beyond discussions of ceasing hostilities.
Source
www.npr.org