For three weeks in March, 24-year-old journalist and author Plestia Alaqad found a unique sanctuary sailing the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean alongside nine other young activists. This voyage, a temporary respite from the persistent realities of conflict, offered a poignant symbol of shared purpose and a collective aspiration for a world free from ownership and division. "No one owns the ocean," Alaqad, a prominent voice from Palestine, articulated, drawing a parallel to an idealized state of existence. "So being there, it’s like we’re creating our own Nutopia." The expedition, captured for the forthcoming docufilm The Ark of Change, provided a platform for each participant to spotlight critical social issues, ranging from education and women’s rights to, for Alaqad, the urgent and enduring crisis of genocide. Alaqad first gained widespread recognition in 2023, at the age of 21, as a resident of Gaza who bravely documented the unfolding genocide through the lens of her iPhone. Prior to her eventual evacuation to Australia, Alaqad meticulously recorded fragments of her daily existence. These poignant dispatches included harrowing encounters with individuals in displacement camps facing the devastating trifles of starvation, disease, and the utter destruction of their neighborhoods, often in the immediate aftermath of Israeli airstrikes. Her commitment to bearing witness was unwavering, even as journalists in the region faced systematic targeting. This period of intense documentation laid the groundwork for her subsequent work, transforming raw, immediate experience into a powerful narrative. The critical acclaim that greeted Alaqad’s debut book, The Eyes of Gaza, released last year, underscored the profound impact of her storytelling. Composed of diary entries penned in the immediate aftermath of October 7th, the memoir offers an intimate and often gut-wrenching chronicle of life under occupation. It delves into the human experience beyond the fleeting, often curated, snippets that circulate on social media. "Whenever people ask me about life in Gaza, I always refer them to the book," Alaqad stated, emphasizing its role as a comprehensive account. "There is the genocide, but you wake up every day, try to survive it and get on with your day. There are a lot of books about Gaza, but you rarely see books about Gaza by Palestinian authors. It’s often international authors who have never even lived there writing about us, so I’m glad we are breaking that cycle." This sentiment highlights a critical need for authentic Palestinian narratives to counter dominant, often external, interpretations of their lived realities. A year after the book’s publication, the situation in the region remains acutely dire. Now pursuing her master’s degree in Beirut, Alaqad finds herself once again under the shadow of Israeli bombardment. Despite these persistent challenges, her determination to find new avenues to connect with audiences and advocate for her cause remains unyielding. This resolve is further exemplified by her upcoming acting debut in the Palestinian horror film The Visitor. "We don’t have any option but to remain hopeful," she explained, acknowledging the pervasive fear that often accompanies her daily life. "Obviously, I feel afraid a lot of the time, but I do things no matter how scared I feel. I need to be able to keep going." This statement encapsulates a spirit of active resistance, where fear does not paralyze but rather fuels a persistent drive for engagement and expression. A Curated Compendium of Hope and Resistance In an effort to share the sources that sustain her optimism and illuminate the Palestinian cause, Alaqad has compiled a list of influential works across literature, film, and music. This curated selection offers a window into the inspirations that empower her and resonate with her advocacy. READ Mornings in Jenin by Susan Abulhawa (2006) Alaqad’s connection to Susan Abulhawa’s seminal novel, Mornings in Jenin, runs deep. "I first read this book, which follows a Palestinian family through three different generations, in 2019 and didn’t want it to end," she shared. The novel’s exploration of displacement, resilience, and the enduring connection to homeland struck a particularly resonant chord with Alaqad. "As Palestinians living in Gaza, we’re separated from the rest of Palestine in the West Bank. So reading this book did a lot for me. You know you’ve read a good book when years later it still has an impact on you, and you remember how it made you feel." The impact of Mornings in Jenin lies in its ability to bridge geographical and emotional divides, offering a sense of shared history and collective identity to readers, particularly those in Gaza who experience physical separation from other Palestinian territories. The novel’s multi-generational narrative powerfully illustrates the long-standing impact of dispossession and the enduring spirit of Palestinian families across decades of political upheaval. WATCH The Shawshank Redemption by Frank Darabont (1994) A universally celebrated film, The Shawshank Redemption holds particular significance for Alaqad as a touchstone for enduring hope. The film’s central message, encapsulated in the poignant quote, "Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies," deeply influenced her during her formative years. "This really resonated with me in high school," Alaqad recalled. "I printed it out and stuck it on my bedroom wall. It reminded me to stay hopeful, no matter the circumstances. It’s not realistic to be hopeful all the time—no one is—but I hope it won’t always be like this in Palestine." This quote serves as a powerful reminder that even in the most oppressive environments, the spirit of hope can persevere. Its relevance to Alaqad’s own experiences underscores the universal human need for optimism in the face of adversity. The film’s narrative of enduring hardship and eventual liberation offers a symbolic parallel to the aspirations for a free and just future for Palestine. All That’s Left of You by Cherien Dabis (2025) Alaqad found profound emotional resonance in Cherien Dabis’s upcoming film, All That’s Left of You. Watching it alongside her childhood friend, Karma, also from Gaza, led to a deeply cathartic experience. "We both got so emotional. In fact, we cried at several points, because we realised that this is our life, this is what happened to us," Alaqad explained. The film’s power lies in its ability to articulate and validate experiences that are often difficult to process in real-time. "Sometimes you don’t understand what happened to you until you see it on screen. And then you’re like, ‘Oh my God, how did I survive all of that?’" This sentiment highlights the therapeutic and clarifying power of art, particularly for those who have endured collective trauma. By externalizing and dramatizing lived experiences, such films can provide a crucial framework for understanding and processing immense hardship, fostering a sense of shared recognition and validation among those who have endured similar circumstances. Modern Family In moments of overwhelming stress, Alaqad seeks solace in the lighthearted familiarity of the television series Modern Family. "I’m currently doing my master’s and when I come home from my lectures, I cook if I have the energy, or order in, and put this on in the background. It’s just comforting," she stated. This choice reflects a conscious effort to create a buffer against the constant influx of distressing news. "Sometimes I want to turn the news off but want to watch something, and start watching something related to Palestine—I just do it subconsciously. That’s why, when things feel overwhelming, I turn on Modern Family again." The series offers a much-needed distraction, a return to normalcy and simple human connection that provides a temporary escape from the gravity of her reality. This choice is not an act of denial, but rather a strategic use of media for emotional regulation and mental well-being. LISTEN Faia Younan The music of Syrian-born singer Faia Younan has been a source of comfort and inspiration for Alaqad since her youth. "I’ve been familiar with Faia’s music since I was young; I always used to listen to her with my best friend, Dana," she said. Their friendship, forged in Lebanon, deepens Alaqad’s appreciation for Younan’s artistry. "One thing I admire about Faia is how authentic she is in a world that is so driven by trends. She stays true to herself, and I love that about her." Younan’s commitment to artistic integrity and her ability to maintain an authentic voice amidst fleeting trends are qualities that Alaqad finds particularly admirable. Her music often carries a subtle yet potent message of Arab identity and resilience, resonating with Alaqad’s own efforts to preserve and promote Palestinian culture and voice. BUY Wear the Peace x Plestia Alaqad Collaboration Alaqad has also channeled her advocacy into tangible action through a collaboration with the clothing brand Wear the Peace. "All of the profits [from my collaboration with clothing brand Wear the Peace] go to the Ghassan Abu Sittah Children’s Fund, which helps children affected by the genocide in Gaza and the war in Lebanon," she explained. The design itself carries profound symbolic weight. "The collaboration came together with the turtle embroidery; there’s a poppy [the national flower of Palestine] on the inside and a keffiyeh pattern on the outside." The turtle, a symbol chosen for its patient nature and the protective shell it carries, serves as a powerful metaphor for the Palestinian people. "Turtles are patient and carry their home with them on their backs, and that’s how I think of us Palestinians," Alaqad articulated. "This did not start in October 2023—for decades, we have been patient and carrying our homes on our backs wherever we go." This initiative not only raises crucial funds for vulnerable children but also serves as a wearable testament to Palestinian resilience, history, and unwavering connection to their homeland, emphasizing that their struggle is not a recent event but a protracted history of endurance and steadfastness. The ongoing conflict and its devastating human cost continue to be a central focus of international attention. Reports from organizations like the United Nations highlight the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with widespread displacement, food insecurity, and a critical need for medical aid. The targeting of journalists and media infrastructure has been a recurring concern, with numerous international bodies and press freedom advocates calling for accountability and the protection of those reporting from conflict zones. Alaqad’s work, both as a journalist and an author, directly addresses these issues, providing a vital Palestinian perspective that challenges dominant narratives and amplifies the voices of those most affected. Her commitment to finding new ways to communicate and advocate, whether through film, literature, or collaborative art, underscores the enduring power of individual action in the face of systemic challenges. The broader implications of her efforts extend beyond immediate advocacy, contributing to a more nuanced and empathetic understanding of the Palestinian experience on a global scale, and fostering a crucial dialogue about justice, hope, and resilience in a world grappling with persistent conflict. Post navigation Charli XCX "Camera" BTS Images
