From growing up in an isolated community, to being the founder of the cultural 28 Magazine; this is the story of our inspiring fellow: Mahmoud Al Shaer.
In 2013, Mahmoud founded 28 Magazine with a group of young Palestinian writers from Gaza and abroad. 28 Magazine is an Arabic language literary and cultural magazine which addresses different cultural discourse.
The titled number 28 refers to the number of letters in the Arabic language. Through this title, the magazine aspires to form a cultural base that participates in the knowledge-building of young writers and creators, and sponsors their creative projects.
Other than publishing printed and online magazines every once in a while, They created a creative Safe Space in 28 Magazine, that has a deeper benefit. It offers opportunities for creators, young artists and writers to present their literary and creative work and interact with the Palestinian and larger Arab society through a series of events that include literary evenings, panel discussions, art exhibitions, concerts, and film screenings, organized by the 28 Magazine team in cooperation with variety of cultural communities in Gaza.
28 Magazine creates a safe place for people by listening and holding difficult conversations, allowing them to share their experiences in a place of empathy and compassion, allowing complex emotions that might normally remain hidden, to surface.
In a conversation with Mohammad, he shared the difficulties 28 magazine has faced, and continues to face during their journey, from restrictions and challenges in financing to the specter of war that haunts them all the time. At the same time, 28 Magazine is opening the window of hope for it’s community and for others in Gaza.
28 Magazine became home for individuals, friends, family, groups and institutions. It allows intellectuals, writers, artists and those interested in reading and culture to build collective and individual awareness through dialogue, exchange of ideas and discussion. This place is growing each day with the experiences stored in its memory.
About the founder Mahmoud Al Shaer
Born in Rafah, southern Palestine in 1990, He is a writer and cultural active executive director of 28 magazine. Studied accounting at the University College of Applied and Vocational Sciences.
He published a joint collection of poetry entitled ‘White Space’, and worked with many local and international institutions to enable artistic and creative practices within Palestine.
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