As part of the My Life Under Blockade essay contest, AFSC’s Gaza and Chicago teams organized an essay writing workshop on writing personal narrative essays.
As part of the My Life Under Blockade essay contest, AFSC’s Gaza and Chicago teams organized an essay writing workshop on writing personal narrative essays. Dr. Refaat Alareer, professor of world literature and creative writing at the IUG and the editor of Gaza Writes Back: Short Stories from Young Writers in Gaza led the workshop. Alareer addressed the fundamentals of writing personal narrative essays and shared his experience working with young writers on similar projects.
Dozens of young Palestinians attended the workshop, reflecting the great interest to participate in activities aiming to convey their messages and uplift their voices beyond Gaza.
The contest started as part of AFSC’s ongoing campaign “Gaza Unlocked,” which aims at highlighting the stories and experiences of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip living under Israeli-imposed blockade that severely limits travel, trade, and everyday life for its over two million residents.
The winning top three essays will be announced in AFSC-Chicago’s annual benefit, A Celebration of Solidarity and Resistance, which will take place in mid November. The benefit will highlight the work of AFSC’s program and campaigns such as Communities Against Islamophobia, Gaza Unlocked, No Way to Treat a Child, and No Cop Academy.
