Disrupting media corporations that act as bullhorns for our enemies is only part of the task—the challenge is engaging in journalism rooted in respect for one’s people.

In his debut collection of poetry, “Things You May Find Hidden in My Ear: Poems from Gaza,” Palestinian poet Mosab Abu Toha writes about everyday life Gaza: the siege, wars, poverty, and unemployment. Mondoweiss interviewed Abu Toha at his home in Gaza City about his collection and the stories behind his poems.

The Edward Said Library is in desperate need of donations in order to be able to continue offering book clubs, English language conversation classes, and opportunities for schoolchildren in the Gaza Strip. Nada Elia writes, “Please donate what you can. It can buy a box of crayons, coloring books, books on decolonial struggle, it can help pay the rent. It can lessen the suffocation of Gaza, until the siege is lifted.”

Those of us denouncing the decade-long siege on the Gaza Strip can help alleviate its impact, even as we continue to organize to bring an end to it.  One way we can do this is by supporting the Edward Said Public Library, an oasis of escape, creativity, and cheerfulness in an otherwise gloomy environment.

English language teacher Mosab Abu Toha founded the “Edward Said Public Library” in Gaza, a small, modest library he hopes will provide the residents of the Strip with a window to the world through literature, mostly in English. But now the project is in danger as a shipment of books is being held up due to the Israeli siege on Gaza.

Gaza’s libraries have been attacked, there are only 70,000 books available for 1.8 million people. Mosab Abu Toah, a young intellectual who loves English language books, wants to change that with a crowdfunding appeal. Noam Chomsky has gotten behind it.