'Forest of Noise': Palestinian Poet Mosab Abu Toha on New Book, Relatives Killed in Gaza & More

In this special broadcast, we begin with an extended interview with Palestinian poet and author Mosab Abu Toha about the situation in Gaza and his new book of poetry titled _Forest of Noise_. He fled Gaza in December after being detained by the Israeli military, but many of his extended family members were unable to escape. He reads a selection of poems from _Forest of Noise_, while sharing the stories of friends and family still struggling to survive in Gaza, as well as those he has lost, including the late poet Refaat Alareer. He also describes his experiences in Gaza in the first months of the war, including being displaced from his home and abducted by the Israeli military, noting that the neighborhood in Jabaliya refugee camp that his family first evacuated to last year was bombed by the Israeli military just days ago. "Sometimes I want to stop writing because I'm repeating the same words, even though the situation is worse. The language is helpless," Abu Toha says. "Why does the world make us feel helpless?"

[susanpatrick]

My heart is breaking yet I am amazed @ the strength this man has.

[janicej]

These wonderful poets telling their stories will stay with us forever.. ❤️🇵🇸💔

[sawsanej]

In disbelief of what reality we live in

[HeiwaPaz]

Mosab, from Spain I am sending you LOVE, LOVE, LOVE.... tears streaming down my cheeks listening to your poems...

[yhamilajojo]

Thank you Democracy Now... You are always sharing love...❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[ceciler]

I wish my tears could wash away the horror. I'm an Auatralian, but I'm a human first, as are the Gazans. 😢

[ar]

I am so sad. Its hard to be in mourning for our world.

[fragile]

Majority of the people of the world stand with you, you have the ❤of the world on your side

[adrineabassian]

Mossab, I extend my heartfelt condolences for your loss. I will buy your book Forest of Noise. My family left Jerusalem in 1980 and never been back.

[OskarBosco-ow]

Beautiful man. Love and respect from Ireland.

[cheryllines]

WHEN PALESTINE IS FREE MY TEARS WILL DRY & I WILL CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS WHETHER ITS THIS YEAR OR NEXT- MUCH LOVE FROM THE UK❤🇵🇸❤

[safanamakhdoomable]

Oh my God these people are so, so elevated in dignity, intellect and intelligence. My God, please let Palestine be free in my life.

[Imaan]

Rip I am so sorry 💔💔🥲May you and this innocent angel and the whole family have the highest rank in paradise 🕊️♥️🙏

[mariaacevedo]

Thank you for this great interview with this great Palestinian poet!!!

[stevenmcglinchey]

“Even our souls get stuck under the rubble” 💔😢Fantastic interview. Thankyou Amy ❤

[nouredinnour-le]

Thank you 👍🙏 Amy. Free people of Palestine.

[simonhough]

what a lovely thanksgiving present that book would make

[caseyalanjones]

classic DN: Happy holidays... and now for a poem about our souls literally being crushed. Fair enough.

[AfricanWomanMtango]

Resilience of Palestinians. God is on your side and Palestine will be FREE

[faithmatthews]

Before I watched this, I said I wasn't going to cry. Damnit!!😢