“If I Must Die”

by Dr. Refaat Al-Areer

If I must die,

you must live

to tell my story

to sell my things

to buy a piece of cloth

and some strings,

(make it white with a long tail)

so that a child, somewhere in Gaza

while looking heaven in the eye

awaiting his dad who left in a blaze–

and bid no one farewell

not even to his flesh

not even to himself–

sees the kite, my kite you made, flying up above

and thinks for a moment an angel is there

bringing back love

If I must die

let it bring hope

let it be a tale

I animated this poem to raise funds for surviving members of the Al-Areer family, pay tribute to the words of Palestinian martyr Dr. Refaat Al-Areer, and speak out against the horrors of Israel’s ongoing genocide, which has been funded and supported in large part by the United States with American tax dollars.

Screenings

Film and Animation Showcase: Global Fundraiser for Gaza
Manchester, United Kingdom, September 2025

Syracuse University Faculty Survey
VPA Warehouse Gallery Exhibition, February 2025