Omar El Akkad Speaks to CRiCS鈥� Palestine Reading Group
Writer and journalist Omar El Akkad joined CRiCS’ Palestine Reading Group to discuss his recent book, One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This, on Friday, August 15, 2025 via Zoom. The author answered questions about the book in an informal and intimate dialogue, which was expertly facilitated by Jenny Heijun Wills. With twelve participants from the reading group--including students, faculty, and staff--the conversation covered such varied and difficult themes as anger, futility, memory, performativity, and hope. Speaking on hope, El Akkad mused that Palestinian steadfastness manages to “outlive every method aimed at obliterating it.” And because of this, those who seek to work in solidarity with Palestinians must act tirelessly, while recognizing that “nothing is enough, but everything matters.”
This event concluded a year-long study of Palestinian theorists, creative writers, and filmmakers, including the works of Edward Said, Rashid Khalidi, Mahmoud Darwish, Najla Said, and Elia Sulieman. The reading group was facilitated by members of CRiCS and coordinated by Bruno Cornellier, Jason Hannan, and Jane Barter.
This event was made possible through the generous co-sponsorship of the Critical Race Network and the Centre for Research in Cultural Studies. The facilitators wish to thank Omar, Jenny Heijun Wills, and Angela Failler for making this memorable event possible.
- Bruno Cornellier, Jason Hannan, and Jane Barter