Martin Scorsese congratulates Palestinian writer Mosab Abu Toha on Pulitzer win
Palestinian poet and author Abu Toha has been honored with the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary, in recognition of his powerful essays chronicling the lives of Palestinians in Gaza.
The essays, published in The New Yorker, intertwine firsthand accounts of war and personal reflections, offering readers a rare and deeply human perspective from within one of the world's most embattled regions.
'I have just won a Pulitzer Prize for Commentary,' Abu Toha announced on X. 'Let it bring hope / Let it be a tale.'
I have just won a Pulitzer Prize for Commentary.
Let it bring hope
Let it be a tale pic.twitter.com/VP6RsPY6vz
— Mosab Abu Toha (@MosabAbuToha) May 5, 2025
The Pulitzer committee praised his work for portraying 'the physical and emotional carnage in Gaza' in a way that merges 'deep reporting with the intimacy of memoir.' His writings document more than a year and a half of conflict in the region, with scenes ranging from daily survival to profound loss.
Abu Toha, 32, has spent nearly his entire life in Gaza. In 2023, while attempting to escape the violence in northern Gaza with his wife and three children, he was detained by the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF).
'They separated me from my family, beat me, and interrogated me,' he later wrote. After an international outcry from colleagues and supporters, he was eventually released and allowed to travel to the US.
In his essays, Abu Toha juxtaposes the struggle for food and safety in Gaza with memories of quieter days. 'I yearn to return to Gaza, sit at the kitchen table with my mother and father, and make tea for my sisters,' he wrote. 'I do not need to eat. I only want to look at them again.'
One haunting piece recalls the devastation of Jabalia refugee camp, where he spent much of his childhood. 'I looked at the photos again and again, and an image of a graveyard that grows and grows formed in my mind,' he reflected.
His work also highlights the indignities faced by Palestinians outside their homeland. He recounted an experience during a layover in Boston where a TSA agent tested his hands for explosives. 'I was kidnapped by the Israeli army in November,' he told the agent, 'before being stripped of my clothes … Today, you come and separate me from my wife and kids, just like the army did a few months ago.'
Abu Toha's recognition has drawn admiration from around the world—including from acclaimed filmmaker Martin Scorsese, who personally congratulated him on his win.
"Guess who made sure to join us to honor me and celebrate the Pulitzer Prize, even in the smallest way as our families in Gaza starve and continue to be in danger?" Abu Toha posted on Instagram. "Well, there is only one Martin Scorsese."
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Mosab Abu Toha (@mosab_abutoha)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Bawaba
15 hours ago
- Al Bawaba
Hande Erçel silences breakup rumors with bold bikinis and matching looks
ALBAWABA - Hande Erçel stuns fans with bikini looks and matching outfits. Once again, Hande Erçel is making headlines—not for a new role or brand deal, but for a series of sun-soaked photos that are generating significant buzz on Instagram. The Turkish actress and model recently shared a set of stunning vacation snaps with her longtime boyfriend, businessman Hakan Sabancı, and the internet has been buzzing ever since. Hande Erçel Instagram profile So, what exactly drew everyone's attention? Her daring and figure-flattering bikini appearances, along with the couple's effortlessly fashionable ensembles that complement each other, caught everyone's attention. Hande Erçel Instagram profile Hande is shown in one of the most striking photographs sporting a colorful string bikini in tones of coral and turquoise. She is also seen wearing layered necklaces and large sunglasses. The fact that she continues to be one of the most talked-about celebrities in Turkey is demonstrated once more by the fact that she strikes a confident pose by the water while basking in the sun. The photograph is both humorous and gorgeous, providing her followers with the ideal combination of wanting to go on vacation and inspiration for their wardrobe. Hande Erçel Instagram profile In a different collection of photographs, she and Hakan are shown wearing attire that is a coordinated combination of beige and white linen. The couple appears to be in perfect harmony with one another as they relax together with a drink in their hands, a far cry from the breakup rumors that had lately been circulating on the internet. There is no denying the apparent connection between them, and the fashion choices they make only serve to add to their allure. Hande Erçel Instagram profile Although neither of them directly addressed the reports, these casual and carefree photographs appear to say it all: Hande and Hakan are still very much together, and they are enjoying a fashionable summer while they are involved in their relationship. Many of the fans were eager to compliment the couple's appearance, and many of them referred to them as the most fashionable pair of the season.
Roya News
a day ago
- Roya News
UK police reviews acts by Kneecap, Bob Vylan after Palestine support
Avon and Somerset Police are assessing footage from Glastonbury Festival after controversial comments made during performances by Irish rap trio Kneecap and British punk-rap duo Bob Vylan sparked backlash and political scrutiny. The controversy began when the BBC abruptly cut the livestream of Kneecap's scheduled performance on the West Holts Stage, despite earlier announcements that it would be available on iPlayer. Fans voiced frustration online, accusing the broadcaster of censorship. The situation escalated further following Bob Vylan's earlier set, which was streamed live on BBC platforms. During the performance, rapper Bobby Vylan led the crowd in chants of 'Free, free Palestine' and 'Death, death to the IDF', remarks that triggered criticism on one hand and support on the other. The BBC later removed the set from its streaming services, citing 'deeply offensive' content and confirming it would not be made available on demand. A warning about strong language was also displayed during the live broadcast. In a social media statement, Avon and Somerset Police said they are reviewing video evidence to determine whether any criminal offences were committed on stage. Kneecap, known for their politically charged performances and support for the Palestinian cause, also drew attention after band member Moglai Bap referenced the upcoming court appearance of fellow member Mo Chara, who faces terror-related charges in the UK. On stage, Bap told the crowd they would 'start a riot outside the courts,' before clarifying: 'No riots, just love and support, and support for Palestine.' Despite the BBC blackout, Kneecap's set went ahead to a packed audience waving Irish and Palestinian flags. The trio led chants of 'Free Palestine' and mocked the BBC's decision to pull their livestream, with one member joking, 'The BBC editor is gonna have some job.' The performances come amid ongoing political pressure on both artists. Mo Chara, whose real name is Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, was recently charged under the UK Terrorism Act for allegedly supporting proscribed groups during a performance last year. His next court date is set for August 20. Ahead of the festival, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer had said it would be 'inappropriate' for Kneecap to perform, while Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has since contacted the BBC director general for an explanation regarding Bob Vylan's set. The BBC responded by reaffirming its editorial guidelines and denying it bans artists, while also emphasizing that not all acts from Glastonbury are streamed live.
Roya News
2 days ago
- Roya News
Queen Rania honors Crown Prince's 31st birthday with sweet tribute, unseen photo
Queen Rania marked Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II's 31st birthday with a touching message shared on Instagram, expressing both pride and affection for her eldest son. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Queen Rania Al Abdullah (@queenrania) Posting a photo of the Crown Prince carrying his daughter, Princess Iman, the Queen wrote, "Another year of being her protector and our pride. Happy birthday, our dear Hussein – baby Iman's biggest hero."
