Refaat Alareer was born in Gaza and his journey began amidst the narrow alleys and bustling streets of that city. There he absorbed the rich tapestry of Palestinian culture and the poignant tales of his ancestors. His upbringing, entrenched in the reality of occupation and displacement, became the crucible from which his poetic voice emerged. Refaat channelled the collective anguish and aspirations of the Palestinian narrative. His poetry, infused with vivid imagery and poignant metaphors, serves as a testament to the human spirit and its unwavering resolve in the face of adversity.

Influenced by the likes of Mahmoud Darwish, whose verses echo the Palestinian longing for homeland and identity, Refaat found solace and inspiration in the power of words to transcend boundaries and forge connections. Yet, while Darwish’s shadow looms large over Palestinian literature, Refaat’s voice emerged as distinct and resolute, carving a niche for itself within the annals of poetic expression. His work can be seen as a vessel for collective memory and resistance, a poignant reminder of the Palestinian people’s enduring struggle for justice and liberation. His verses, imbued with a profound sense of longing and defiance, speak to the heart of the Palestinian experience, bearing witness to the untold stories etched in the landscape of Gaza’s besieged streets.

Themes of displacement, exile, and the relentless quest for belonging permeate Refaat’s poetry, offering glimpses into the fractured lives of those caught in the crosscurrents of history. Yet, amidst the rubble and ruins, his verses shimmer with resilience and hope too. The last poem he published before his death by an Israeli airstrike amidst the current Israeli offensive in Gaza, demonstrates this. ‘If I must die’ crystalised the anguish and helplessness of those in Gaza, and yet also reflected Refaat’s irrepressible spirit.

As we reflect on the life and legacy of Refaat Alareer, we are reminded of the enduring power of poetry to transcend borders and unite us in our common humanity. As poet, teacher, and guardian of the Palestinian narrative, Refaat’s words will continue to ignite hope in the hearts of all those who dare to dream of a better world, and all those who know in their hearts that in the end it is words, talking and empowering language that is infinitely better for a world blind to injustice and too quick to conflict.