A Wave of Solidarity: Algerians Flock to ‘The Thorns and Cloves’ in Tribute to Martyr Yahya Sinwar

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | November 13th, 2024 — The 2024 edition of the Algiers International Book Fair proved to be a poignant reminder of the deep-rooted solidarity between Algeria and Palestine, as the Algerian public flocked to the fair in record numbers to acquire the iconic book “The Thorns and Cloves” by the late Palestinian resistance leader, Yahya Ibrahim Hassan Sinwar. This year’s fair saw a remarkable surge in interest in literature that addresses the ongoing Palestinian struggle, especially in the wake of the October 7, 2023, Al-Aqsa Flood, which reignited global sympathy for the Palestinian cause.

Among the throngs of visitors, there was one name that stood above all: Yahya Sinwar, whose legacy of resistance and martyrdom continues to inspire and mobilize Algerians. Sinwar’s story, immortalized in his deeply moving memoir “The Thorns and Cloves,” has become a symbol of Palestinian resistance, his account of enduring Zionist imprisonment, his suffering, and his ultimate sacrifice resonating profoundly with Algerians. The book, which describes the final moments of his life in Zionist captivity, has become more than a literary work; it is a symbol of solidarity and defiance against oppression.

A National Phenomenon: Youth and Adults Alike Drawn to Sinwar’s Story

As one walked through the aisles of the book fair, it was impossible to ignore the palpable excitement surrounding the release of “The Thorns and Cloves.” The book, published in Algeria under a partnership with the Palestinian Center for Studies and Research, stood as a testament to the unbreakable bond between the two nations. Visitors—young and old—lined up in droves at the booths to obtain a copy, some of them explicitly declaring their intent to honor Sinwar’s memory and the Palestinian cause.

Among the notable individuals drawn to the book was a 14-year-old secondary school student, Sihem, who expressed her emotional connection to the story, not for herself, but as a gesture of love for her mother. “My mother has always admired Sinwar’s writings and his unwavering stance for Palestine. She had been searching for the book but couldn’t find it, so I decided to surprise her with it. For us, it’s not just a book—it’s a message of solidarity, a declaration of our support for Palestine,” Saham shared with an evident passion.

Her story was echoed by many others at the fair, including Ines, a journalism student at the University of Algiers, who revealed that she had purchased the book as a tribute to Sinwar’s valor and sacrifice. “The manner of his martyrdom left a profound impact on me. It’s a story that speaks to the resilience of the Palestinian people,” Ines remarked. She also added that the book would be passed along to her family and friends, with the proceeds from its sale being a motivating factor in her decision to purchase it.

A National Symbol: The Role of Algerian Publishers in Supporting Palestine

At the heart of this literary wave was Dar al-Wa’i, a publishing house dedicated to producing works that align with the values of Algerian resistance and heritage. Abdel Salam Abdelaziz, a representative of Dar al-Wa’i, emphasized the publisher’s commitment not only to the preservation of Algeria’s cultural and religious identity but also to its support for the Palestinian cause. “We see publishing ‘The Thorns and Cloves’ as a form of ‘jihad with money,'” Abdelaziz stated. “This is our contribution to the Palestinian resistance, supporting them through literature, with the understanding that this is a small gesture compared to their sacrifices.”

The book, which originally retailed for 1900 Algerian dinars, was sold at a reduced price of 1500 dinars during the fair, making it accessible to a broader audience. Abdelaziz explained that the reduction in price was intentional, with the aim of maximizing the amount of support funneled to Gaza. “This is not a commercial endeavor; this is about supporting our brothers and sisters in Palestine,” he asserted.

A Call to Action: The Growing Demand and Unmatched Public Interest

The unprecedented demand for “The Thorns and Cloves” surpassed even the most optimistic expectations of the publishers. Since the opening of the book fair, thousands of copies have been sold, with some attendees finishing the book in a single day, a testament to the powerful narrative that Sinwar’s life embodies. Abdel Karim Al-Sharif, a representative of the Mauritanian publisher “Diwan al-Shanaqita,” who also carried copies of the book, confirmed that the demand for the book had been overwhelming. “The Algerian reader has shown extraordinary enthusiasm for this work, which stands apart from other novels due to its lived experiences, its authenticity, and its visceral depiction of life under occupation.”

Algerian publishers and distributors have joined forces in an unprecedented effort to ensure the book reaches every corner of the country. The overwhelming response from Algerian readers speaks volumes about the deep-rooted solidarity that exists between the two nations. The partnership between Dar al-Wa’i and other local publishers such as “Al-Andalusiat” has been crucial in amplifying the reach of the book, with a portion of the proceeds being allocated directly to aid Gaza.

Strengthening the Bond: Algeria’s Continued Support for Palestine

The public outpouring of support at the Algiers International Book Fair is not just a fleeting moment of sympathy but a reflection of Algeria’s enduring commitment to the Palestinian cause. Yahya Sinwar’s powerful story has resonated deeply with Algerians, inspiring a collective effort to keep the spirit of resistance alive. His literary legacy, immortalized in “The Thorns and Cloves,” will continue to serve as a beacon of hope and strength for Palestinians and their allies around the world.

As Algeria commemorates its own revolutionary history, the events of this year’s book fair served as a powerful reminder that the fight for freedom, justice, and dignity transcends borders. Through their solidarity with Sinwar and the Palestinian people, Algerians have once again demonstrated their unwavering support for a cause that remains close to their hearts—a cause that calls for the liberation of Palestine and the restoration of its sovereignty.

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