Acacia was created to be a forum for ideas that engage with the American Muslim left. This project, a magazine of politics and culture, was set to launch in November 2023. Then, on October 7, Hamas carried out an attack in Southern Israel. Many feared this would turn into a vicious campaign of collective punishment against the people of Gaza, waged by Israel and supported by the United States government. In the months since then, we have watched in abject horror as the Israeli government has carried out a genocide, and empowers settlers and the IDF to terrorize Palestinians in the West Bank and Jerusalem. 

We find ourselves bereft at the loss of all life: of women and children as well as men, of duty bound doctors and their patients. And just when we think we could not feel more grief, Israel murders another poet, wipes out another bloodline, bombs another hospital. We are at a loss for words. So we seek solace in the words of those who have said it better than we can.

While we have already completed our first issue, which we have pushed to launch in 2024, we hope to meet this moment by amplifying the voices of those who have provided clarity and honesty in this time of intense misinformation and unspeakable horror. We have found immense wisdom in the words of poet Hala Alyan, who wrote of the double standard Palestinians face when it comes to recognizing their humanity. In her October 25 New York Times guest essay, she says, “The task of the Palestinian is to be palatable or to be condemned. The task of the Palestinian, we’ve seen in the past two weeks, is to audition for empathy and compassion.”

We have watched in awe as Palestinian writers report on the suffering in Gaza, educate us about historical and political context, all while witnessing the annihilation of their loved ones. We encourage you to read the words of scholar and Hamas expert Tareq Baconi, human rights lawyer Noura Erakat, and literary critic Saree Makdisi.

Most of all, we implore you to read the beloved martyred writers of Gaza, such as Refaat Alareer and Hiba Abu Nada. And to behold the beautiful paintings of martyr, Heba Zagout. And to read and cherish those who are still with us, such as Mosab Abu Toha.

We recognize that the genocide and occupation will not end through the sheer force of the written word. Accordingly, we are committed to direct action that calls for an immediate ceasefire and the demand for a liberated Palestine. We plan to meet you again next year, in print, with our inaugural issue.