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Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish once said, “Against barbarity, poetry can resist only by confirming its attachment to human fragility — like a blade of grass growing on a wall while armies march by.” How does literature respond to violence inflicted upon innocent communities? Is it a mirror reflecting harsh reality, a voice rallying resistance, an escape from unbearable suffering, or a beacon of hope for the future? What stories are told by contemporary Palestinian writers living in Gaza, the West Bank, or abroad? Do these stories reach a global audience, and what impact might they have?

To explore these questions and more, we have invited Palestinian writers Heba Hayek and Hazem Jamjoum to join us for a heartfelt discussion. They will reflect on the current state of Palestinian literature, sharing their personal journeys and creative visions.

During the event, we will also delve into Heba Hayek’s acclaimed book, (Hajarpress, 2021), a poignant series of vignettes about girlhood in Gaza. It offers a deeply compelling look at how Palestinian women nurture resilience amidst colonial occupation and patriarchal constraints.

About the speakers: 

- Hazem Jamjoum is a cultural historian, archivist, and educator based in London. He serves as the editor-in-chief of Safarjal Press and has translated significant works such as Ghassan Kanafani’s The Revolution of 1936–1939 in Palestine, which won the Palestinian Book Award in 2024. His translation of Maya Abu al-Hayyati’s novel was published in 2024 by CSU Poetry Center.  

- Heba Hayek is an author, workshop facilitator, and communication consultant focused on challenging traditional archives and promoting alternative narratives. Her debut, Sambac Beneath Unlikely Skies, received the Palestinian Book Award in 2022, and was named Book of the Year 2021 by The White Review, Middle East Eye, and The New Arab.

This engaging discussion is organized by the Literary Club ÜDI in collaboration with the Institute of Humanities and Department of International Relations at Tallinn University and the literary magazine Vikerkaar.  Moderators: Robin Lek, head of the ÜDI Literary Club, and Mariia Ivanova, PhD student in literary studies.

For information: Daniele Monticelli (daniele.monticelli@tlu.ee)