“In his upcoming collection of poems, Forest of Noise, Mosab Abu Toha reflects on the multiple deaths one experiences while living in Gaza. From the constant threat of air strikes to the loss of family members and hope, Abu Toha describes how every night feels like a new life, with the fear of death looming large. Evacuated from Gaza to upstate New York with his family, Abu Toha struggles to adapt to his new life, feeling a part of him still resides in Gaza. He highlights the stark differences in living conditions, where in Gaza, families wait in line for hours just to get water, while in the US, he can easily buy ice cream for his children. The impact of violence on his children is evident, with his youngest son understanding the horrors of war at just four years old. Abu Toha’s poetry captures the harsh realities of life in Gaza, where survival takes precedence over living. Despite facing criticism for his English free verse poetry, he continues to write about his experiences, which resonate with readers around the world. His work gained recognition with the establishment of the Edward Said Public Library in Gaza, which unfortunately suffered damage during the ongoing conflict. Abu Toha’s own experiences of being born in a refugee camp, witnessing his home being bombed, and being kidnapped by Israeli soldiers inform his writing, as seen in his poem ‘On Your Knees.’ Despite the hardships he has endured, Abu Toha remains committed to sharing the stories of his people and shedding light on the struggles faced by Palestinians in Gaza.”
