The Eyes of Gaza, feat. Plestia Alaqad, hosted by Julie Rak

HM Tory Chair and Professor, Julie Rak hosts LitFest’s featured author talk with Plestia Alaqad, where they will discuss Alaqad’s New York Times bestselling memoir, The Eyes of Gaza: A Diary of Resilience.

Written as a series of diary extracts, The Eyes of Gaza relates the horrors of her experiences while showcasing the indomitable spirit of the men, women and children who share Alaqad’s communities. From the epicentre of turmoil, while bombs rain around her and devastation grips her people, she is witness to their emotions, their gentle acts of quiet, necessary heroism, and the moments of unexpected tenderness and vulnerability amid the chaos. Through the raw honesty and vulnerability of a normal 21-year-old woman trying to make her way through a human tragedy, The Eyes of Gaza is a potent reminder of the horrors of violence and a powerful testament to the human spirit. It recounts a harrowing experience, but it is not a heart-breaking lamentation. Rather, it is a deeply intimate love letter to a girl’s home: demolished before her eyes, yes, but forever present in her heart.

Special Guest: This event will include a performance from the Spoken Word Youth Choir and Spoken Word Choir 

This event takes place Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 1:00 pm at the Rice Theatre at The Citadel Theatre. Tickets are $20, or $5 (student/low income).

To purchase tickets and to learn more visit  https://litfestalberta.org/events/the-eyes-of-gaza-feat-plestia-alaqad-hosted-by-julie-rak/