These translations have been the culmination of an eight months long effort, starting in February of this year. We would like to express our deep thanks to the organizing committee of Palestine Writes for connecting us with Ameer, as well as the faculty at Columbia whose advice and comments have been invaluable at every stage of production and revision.
Initially starting as a Columbia Review initiative hoping to highlight Palestinian literature, recent events have necessitated a change in political strategy. Specifically, we understood how the timeliness of the release of these translations would strengthen their impact, as well as pressure our university to take action. As a result, we narrowed the scope of the project in an effort to prioritize quality. For those who are intrigued by Ameer’s work and would like to read more, we highly recommend both his published prose and his poetry collection: Gigi and Ali’s Rabbit and I Searched for their Keys in the Locks, respectively.
Lastly, this project would never have been completed without Ameer’s help. Graciously giving us permission to interpret these formidable works of art, his insight and responsiveness have significantly aided the translation process, and it is now our great honor to be able to share them with the world.
-Amine Bit, Gabrielle Alvarez, Hoda Ali
Special Section: ‘To the Students of Columbia University’