Rifqa

El-Kurd's debut collection of poems explores the brutality of Israeli settler colonialism, tracing Rifqa's exile from Haifa to her family's dispossession in Sheikh Jarrah, Jerusalem.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 100 pages
Publication date: 28 October 2021
Publisher: Haymarket Books

Mohammed El-Kurds grandmother, Rifqa, welcomed him at the door of his home with a bouquet of jasmine every day after school. She was older than Israel itself and an icon of Palestinian resilience. With razor-sharp wit and glistening moral clarity, El-Kurd lays bare the brutality of Israeli settler colonialism. His poems trace Rifqa's exile from Haifa to his family's current dispossession in Sheikh Jarrah, Jerusalem, exposing the cyclical and relentless horror of the Nakba. El-Kurd's debut collection definitively shows that the Palestinian struggle is a revolution until victory.

Rifqa, the Symbol of Palestinian Resilience

Rifqa, the grandmother of Mohammed El-Kurd, held a special place in the hearts of the Palestinian people. With her age surpassing that of Israel itself, she became an iconic symbol of resilience and determination. Her name, Rifqa, carried a profound significance, representing the unwavering spirit of the Palestinian people.

In the presence of Rifqa, El-Kurd's grandmother, the world witnessed a glimpse of the indomitable spirit of the Palestinians. Her razor-sharp wit and unwavering moral clarity were a testament to their unwavering commitment to their cause. El-Kurd's poetry, infused with the pain and suffering of the Nakba, shed light on the cyclical and relentless horror inflicted upon the Palestinian people.

Through his poems, El-Kurd vividly depicted Rifqa's exile from Haifa to her family's current dispossession in Sheikh Jarrah, Jerusalem. The journey, marked by hardship and loss, exposed the depths of the Palestinian struggle and the ongoing battle for their homeland. The Nakba, a term coined to describe the forced displacement and dispossession of the Palestinian people, became a haunting reminder of the atrocities committed by Israeli settler colonialism.

El-Kurd's debut collection, a testament to his talent and dedication, showcased the undeniable fact that the Palestinian struggle is a revolution until victory. His poems resonated with people worldwide, shedding light on the ongoing injustices and inspiring a collective effort to bring about a just and peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Rifqa, the grandmother of Mohammed El-Kurd, symbolized the unwavering spirit of the Palestinian people. Her presence and wisdom guided her grandson, who, through his poetry, exposed the brutality of Israeli settler colonialism and called for a revolution until victory. The Palestinian struggle continues to be a source of inspiration and hope for people around the world, who stand in solidarity with their cause.

Weight: 182g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781642595864