Poet and essayist Yahia Lababidi addresses the crisis in Gaza as it shapes his writing in his new book, If You Cannot Say GENOCIDE (New Village Press, 2026). Lababidi has long explored themes of exile, belonging, and political violence, but the ongoing devastation in Gaza has compelled him to reconsider how to articulate suffering. His work questions the role of language in discussing violence and the responsibility of writers when such language becomes contentious.
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In an interview with Elizabeth Mirabelle, Lababidi reflected on how the term genocide has become unsayable for some, raising the question of what can be said when language fails to capture the gravity of events. The book's title originates from a poem in his earlier collection, Palestine Wail, notably one that a previous publisher rejected for its use of the word genocide. Lababidi contends that while he is deeply concerned with language and its implications, the urgency of compassion must prevail over linguistic debates.
He expressed unease at being labeled a political writer, acknowledging the complex reality of contemporary political events that often unfold without his direct participation. Lababidi admitted he wished to avoid writing about such topics entirely but deemed it irresponsible to ignore the magnitude of suffering occurring.
Mirabelle noted the difficulty of capturing reality in poetry, to which Lababidi responded that even at its darkest, poetry maintains an idealistic belief in humanity's better nature. He described a loss of creative ability following the events of October 7, expressing that writing poetry felt self-indulgent amid such tragedy. Despite his struggle, he emphasized the importance of bearing witness, as the inability to write poetry does not exempt one from engaging with suffering.
Throughout the discussion, Lababidi highlighted the uncertainty and openness present in his writing, stating he prefers to leave room for understanding rather than dogmatic conclusions. He reflected on the various genres he employs, asserting that literature possesses the capacity to explore truths beyond what conventional news offers.
Lababidi indicated his book aims to resonate with a broad audience, including those who may be skeptical of literature. He acknowledged the contributions of other thinkers who articulate similar themes, asserting that consensus across disciplines should be heeded.
Finally, Lababidi revealed a lingering question within himself regarding moral responsibility in the context of suffering, contemplating how the oppressed might inadvertently contribute to their circumstances. He cited his poem “Alternative Scenario,” imagining a compassionate response from Palestinians to the Israeli wounded, raising ethical queries that extend beyond immediate contexts.