Greetings, dear friends and supporters. My name is Atef Al-Durra, and I come to you with a tale of resilience, loss, and hope from Gaza. I am the founder and director of Dar Al-Kalema for Publishing and Distribution, a publishing house in Gaza that has been a sanctuary of knowledge and culture, that tragically fell victim to Israeli flames in the recent conflict.
A Beacon of Intellectual Enlightenment
For 25 years, I poured my heart and soul into curating a treasure trove of over 100,000 books and magazines at Dar Al-Kalema. This collection, painstakingly amassed through dedication and unwavering commitment, represented a beacon of intellectual enlightenment amidst the turmoil and adversities that plagued Gaza.
Since its inception, Dar Al-Kalema stood as a bastion of cultural exchange, publishing works of writers from the Arab world across various fields while nurturing, support and encourage Palestinian writers and talents specifically.
A Legacy of Cultural Achievement
Prior to its destruction, Dar Al-Kalema was a trusted source of knowledge, a haven for readers, and had established itself as a reputable publishing house for authors to share their work.
In 2014, Dar Al-Kalema published its first book, and before the outbreak of this ongoing war, it had already published around 500 works. Its publications included works by well-known writers, academic journals by university professors, first-time publications by young writers, and pieces written by school students whose work Dar Al-Kalema helped publish. Besides, there were many publications in the pipeline.
It also operated as a community cultural center, hosting many initiatives from enthusiastic groups. Like the Palestine Reads Club, a reading club brought together a group of ardent readers who regularly gathered at Dar Al-Kalema to discuss literary works, fostering a love for literature and dialogue within our society.
Publishing House Destroyed
Tragically, the Israeli forces set fire to Dar Al-Kalema for Publishing and Distribution on December 11, 2023. The 66th day of the war, which will forever be etched in my memory as a day of unimaginable loss. The scorching flames consumed a collection of over 100,000 books and magazines, leaving nothing but scattered ashes in its wake. We are heartbroken to see the destruction of our publishing house and the loss of our physical infrastructure, including our library, bookstore, archives, and equipment.
To get a glimpse of the devastation caused by the destruction of Dar Al-Kalema, please visit the following links:
By the Palestinian Ministry of Culture
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/JXwVrjtaBTwZEEWs/?mibextid=oFDknk
https://x.com/palestinemoc/status/1759869527414755799
By the Palestinian Information Center
https://x.com/PalinfoAr/status/1759469918649504255
The destruction of Dar Al-Kalema dealt a severe blow not just to me personally or to our publishing house but to the entire fabric of Palestinian memory and identity. The deliberate targeting of this cultural institution unveiled a dark agenda aimed at erasing our heritage and stifling intellectual discourse.
As one of only four publishing houses in the Gaza Strip, our destruction represents a loss of 25% of the region's publishing industry. The cultural scene in Gaza is now facing an unprecedented crisis, with limited opportunities for authors, readers, and intellectuals to engage with each other. The impact on our community is immeasurable. We are now facing an unprecedented challenge in rebuilding and restoring Dar Al-Kalema.
A Vision for the Future
Now, as we stand amidst the ashes of what was once a thriving hub of knowledge, we cling to the hope of resurrection. But we cannot embark on this journey alone, as we have lost everything and are starting from scratch. We humbly implore your support and generosity to help us revive Dar Al-Kalema and restore it to its former glory, but this time with a broader and more professional approach.
Our vision is to rebuild Dar Al-Kalema as a state-of-the-art publishing house, featuring a modern library, event spaces, and facilities for author talks, literary festivals, and workshops. We aim to create a welcoming environment where readers can gather to discuss literature, share ideas, and learn from each other, ensuring that Dar Al-Kalema remains a vital hub for cultural exchange and intellectual discourse.
Your Contribution Matters
Your contributions will be instrumental in resurrecting Dar Al-Kalema, not just as a publishing house but as a symbol of resilience, unity, and the enduring power of literature.
Your donations, no matter the size, counts in this effort, and will bring us closer to achieving our goal. It will not only help us revive Dar Al-Kalema but also safeguard the power of knowledge against forces that seek to silence it.
Together, We Can Rebuild and Rise Stronger than Ever
Join us on this transformative journey as we embark on the arduous path of reconstruction and renewal. Together, let us sow the seeds of hope and enlightenment in the fertile soil of Gaza's cultural landscape, and ensure the continued flourishing of Palestinian culture.
Please share this campaign with anyone who can spread the news or donate.
Sincerely,
Atef Al-Durra
Founder & Director, Dar Al-Kalema for Publishing and Distribution
