Khalid Tawalbeh
Doha
In a rare turn of events, a book shedding light on the Palestinian experience won a Pulitzer Prize, even as US support for Israeli military actions reached unprecedented levels.
This breakthrough moment was at the heart of a captivating discussion at Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q), where Pulitzer-winning author Nathan Thrall shared insights into his deeply human narrative and how his work transcended the usual political divides.
Thrall, an American author based in Jerusalem, sat down with GU-Q Dean Safwan Masri for an intimate conversation about his acclaimed book, ‘A Day in the Life of Abed Salama’. The book, which explores the tragic aftermath of a school bus accident in Palestine, challenges readers to think beyond the politics and reflect on the personal toll of larger conflicts
Widely praised as a masterpiece, it has been translated into over two dozen languages, making it an international bestseller. A Day in the Life of Abed Salama was recognised as a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice and featured on numerous year-end best book lists.
“You’ve taken us through a deeply human journey of Abed and his son, and in telling their story, you’ve also narrated the broader history and present of the Palestinian struggle,” said Dean Masri during the conversation. “You’ve done all this in a way that makes it accessible even to readers unfamiliar with the context and history.”
Speaking with Qatar Tribune after the event, Thrall shared the motivation behind his work: “I wanted to connect emotionally with people,” he said. “Seeing the segregation, domination, and oppression firsthand in Palestine has a deeper, longer-lasting impact than any intellectual or historical argument. I wanted readers—especially those who may not know much about Palestine—to walk away with a greater understanding.”
Thrall’s career has been shaped by a transformative journey. With Jewish roots, his understanding of Israel and Palestine evolved over time, particularly through his work with the International Crisis Group. “It was a slow process of learning and unlearning,” he reflected. His earlier book, ‘The Only Language They Understand’, alongside his incisive essays and reporting in prestigious publications like the London Review of Books and The Guardian, has established him as a bold voice in modern journalism.
“Writing this book came from a place of despair,” Thrall explained. “I wrote it to inspire the kind of change I believe is necessary.”
Dean Masri closed the session by underscoring the power of storytelling in shaping a better world, telling Thrall, “We are lucky to have you here, your work is incredibly important.”
GU-Q offers an interdisciplinary programme that equips students with critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills to address the world’s most pressing challenges. Alumni of GU-Q are active in industries ranging from finance to education and media, making significant contributions to global and local communities.
