Help rebuild Gazan author's public library for the community

Note: Hi, I'm Melody from Canada who is fundraising for author Yousri Alghoul in Gaza. Yousri and I are both UNAOC (United Nations Alliance of Civilization) fellows (Yousri's profile, Melody's profile). Funds will be received in Canadian dollars and transferred to Yousri securely through an intermediary.

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Recent coverage of this campaign: https://arablit.org/2024/06/14/north-gazan-writer-yousri-alghoul-on-fundraising-for-a-replacement-library/

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Message from Yousri Alghoul:

Dear Friends,

My name is Yousri Alghoul, an award-winning Palestinian author who grew up in a refugee camp in Gaza. I am currently based in North Gaza and my life’s passion has always been intertwined with the written word (more about me at the bottom). Today, I come to you not just with a plea for help, but with a story of loss, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to literary culture and knowledge.

A Sanctuary of Wisdom

For years, I have poured my heart and soul into curating a personal library of 3000 books that I shared with my community in the Al Shati camp. It was a sanctuary of wisdom, imagination, and discovery. This collection was a tapestry of diverse voices and ideas from Palestine and around the world, encompassing literature, history, science, and art. I opened my library for the community to use freely. It was a beacon of light in our community, offering free access to the transformative power of books to anyone who sought it.

A Heartbreaking Loss

Tragically, this sanctuary was obliterated by Israeli rockets in the recent conflict. The devastation was not just physical; it was the erasure of countless stories, dreams, Palestinian culture, and the promise of a brighter future. The loss of my library has left a void that is deeply felt, not only by me but by the many who found solace and inspiration within its walls.

The Personal Impact

The destruction of my library has been a profoundly personal blow. As an author, my books were not just objects, but companions and sources of inspiration. Each volume held a piece of my journey, my struggles, and my triumphs. The rockets did not just destroy books; they shattered a part of my soul.

Emotionally, the impact has been overwhelming. My library was my sanctuary, a place where I could immerse myself in the world of ideas and find peace amidst chaos. Losing it has left me feeling disoriented and heartbroken. The creative space where I wrote and drew inspiration is now gone, leaving me grappling with a deep sense of loss and a struggle to find my footing again.

A Vision for the Future

In the face of this profound loss, I am not giving up. Instead, I am channeling my grief into a mission to rebuild and expand. My vision is to create a community library for refugees in my community in North Gaza that stands as a testament to our resilience and culture, and our unwavering belief in the power of knowledge. The war will end, and we will need to rebuild Gaza. This new library will be a communal space where minds can meet, ideas can flourish, and dreams can be nurtured.

Your Role in This Journey

To turn this vision into reality, I need your support. Your generous contributions will help:

- Replenish the lost collection with a diverse range of books, including Palestinian literature.

- Furnish the new library with comfortable seating and adequate shelving.

- Secure a safe and accessible location for all.

- Launch community programs, reading initiatives, and educational workshops, to continue Palestinian literary culture.

Every Contribution Counts

Each donation, no matter the size, is a step towards rebuilding not just a library, but a cornerstone of hope and learning for our community. Your support will help restore a vital cultural and educational resource and ensure that the love for reading and learning continues to thrive despite the challenges we face.

Join Me in Rebuilding Hope and a Repository of Knowledge Palestinian Literary Culture for Gazans

Together, we can transform this loss into an opportunity to create something even greater. Your support will help us rebuild a repository of knowledge and culture for Palestinians in North Gaza.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and for believing in the power of knowledge.

With profound gratitude,

Yousri

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About Yoursi Alghoul يسري الغول

Yousri Alghoul يسري الغول (Novelist, short story writer, essayist; Palestinian Territories) has published two novels and six collection of short stories, in addition to writing several articles about life in Gaza, covering all major events since 2002, receiving the 2002 Short Story Award from Ministry of Culture.

Alghoul’s work has been received widely in Palestine and influenced the situation there. He has been active in the field of literature, journalism, human rights, political affairs, and youth activism, enabling him to maintain a large network of contacts both locally and internationally.

Alghoul created Gaza Hub-Global Shapers Community (An international youth initiative created by World Economic Forum), as well as both the Cordoba Cultural Initiative for authors and the Shaghaf Youth Initiative for emerging writers in Gaza.

Alghoul is a member of the Palestinian Writer’s Union and is a committee member at the YMCA-Gaza and a number of civil society organizations.

Alghoul holds a Master degree in Middle East Studies from Al-Azhar University in Gaza. He participated in many speaking tours and conferences in the USA, Azerbaijan, Malaysia, Spain, Germany, Belgium, France, and Egypt, delivering talks about Palestinian affairs, whether related to literature, politics, human rights, or diversity and integration.

Alghoul believes that there were many nations but one humanity.

Here are some of his published works: