Plestia Alaqad to Launch Her Book at Sharjah Art Foundation on This Date

The Sharjah Art Foundation has announced a special Book Launch and Conversation event for The Eyes of Gaza: A Diary of Resilience — the acclaimed debut book by award-winning Palestinian journalist and author Plestia Alaqad.

The event will take place on 14 December 2025, from 6:30pm to 7:30pm, at Arts Square, Sharjah.

Presented in English, the session will feature a live discussion between Plestia Alaqad and researcher-archivist Faris Shomali, offering audiences rare insight into the making of the book and the realities it documents. Rooted in Alaqad’s on-the-ground reporting during the genocide in Gaza, The Eyes of Gaza is described as both a powerful call for peace and a deeply moving reminder of humanity’s capacity for kindness amid catastrophic destruction.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to purchase a limited number of signed copies immediately following the conversation — a highlight for readers and supporters of Palestinian storytelling.

Alaqad, whose book was published in April 2025, has quickly become a leading voice in digital journalism. The Eyes of Gaza has earned widespread acclaim, becoming an instant New York Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Boston Globe, and Indie bestseller.

Joining her at the event, Faris Shomali brings his expertise as a doctoral candidate in anthropology at the University of Toronto, where his research examines Palestinian art and the politics of its circulation. His previous work includes serving as Digitisation Manager at the Palestinian Museum Digital Archive.

With its blend of personal narrative, historical context, and live dialogue, the event promises to be one of the season’s most compelling cultural gatherings in Sharjah — offering audiences a space to connect with a story of resilience, memory, and truth.

If you're interested in hearing Plestia Alaqad's story, register to attend at the official website here.