The Phoenix of Gaza XR

Just got back from Albuquerque. I had a very successful VR exhibition (The Phoenix of Gaza XR) at the Western States Communcation Association. I had a public discussion with Professor Michael Lechuga on the impact of immersive technology and its potential to foster a more just and equitable world. It was great meeting professors and graduate students from different disciplines and universities. #VR #immersivestorytelling #socialjustice #Palestine #Gaza

?? What an incredible event! ??? We kicked off with The Phoenix of Gaza XR, a powerful Virtual Reality experience that brought us closer to the rich history and culture of #Gaza. ???? It was an eye-opening experience, showing the resilience and beauty of this incredible land. The community also came together to take meaningful action through a session focused on advocating for change. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this unforgettable experience. ?? #VR #VirtualReality #thepheonixofgazaxr #ImmersiveExperience #storiesofgaza

This Ramadan, join us for Advocacy Tuesday at IRUSA Headquarters in Alexandria, VA, and immerse yourself in the powerful Phoenix of Gaza XR experience. Step into Gaza’s rich history and culture in a deeply moving VR journey that brings stories of resilience and beauty to life. Following the VR experience, participate in a Letter Writing to Congress Workshop to amplify your voice and advocate for meaningful change. ??? Date: Tuesday, March 11 ? Time: Doors open at 5:15 PM (1.5 hours before Iftar) ?? Location: IRUSA HQ - 3655 Wheeler Ave, Alexandria, VA 22304 ??? Iftar provided – Registration required. This is more than just an event — it’s a chance to connect, reflect, and take action. Together, we can amplify the voices of Gaza and advocate for justice. ?? Register now: IRUSA.ORG/RAMADANADVOCACY #PhoenixOfGaza #GazaXR #ExperienceGaza #AdvocacyTuesday #JusticeForGaza #SolidarityForPalestine #HumanRights #CommunityEngagement #Ramadan2025

The Phoenix of Gaza is Coming to Tufts University! We’re bringing the Virtual Reality Exhibition: Journey to Gaza to Tufts University, offering an immersive experience into the vibrant life that once thrived in Gaza and the destruction that continues to unfold. ?? Opening Talk & Lunch – Feb 25 | 12-1:30 PM | Cabot 701 Featuring Dr. Ahlam Muhtaseb (CSU San Bernardino) and Naim A. (CU Boulder), co-founders of The Phoenix of Gaza XR Project. Join us as they discuss the power of immersive storytelling and the role of VR in preserving Gaza’s history and resilience. ?? VR Exhibition – Feb 26-28 | Curtis Hall & Campus Center This is more than just a VR experience—it’s a chance to witness history, engage with powerful narratives, and reflect on the resilience of Gaza’s people. Join us for this impactful event. #PhoenixOfGaza #GazaXR #VirtualReality #Storytelling #TuftsUniversity

?? Phoenix of Gaza XR featured on Trevor Noah’s Podcast! ?? In a powerful moment, Dr. Ruha Benjamin shares her experience with our VR project, describing how it allows people to see Gaza through the eyes of its people—not just as an observer, but as if you are truly there. ? “The kids are looking at you eye to eye… you’re standing over the shoulder of a teenager reciting poetry… you’re riding alongside a little boy on a skateboard at the beach.” This is more than just VR—it’s about preservation, resilience, and the right to return. ?? ?? The podcast covered topics ranging from technology and ethics to the power of storytelling and justice. While the episode wasn’t entirely about Gaza XR, this mention highlights how our project is making an impact in crucial conversations. Dr. Ruha has been an incredible supporter of our work, both personally and through the Ida B. Wells Just Data Lab at Princeton University. We are deeply grateful for her voice in amplifying the significance of this project. ??? Watch the full clip: https://lnkd.in/giGTR5rG ?? How do you think VR changes the way we experience stories like this? Let’s discuss! #PhoenixOfGazaXR #GazaXR #VirtualReality #Storytelling #TrevorNoah #DrRuhaBenjamin #TechnologyForJustice #PrincetonUniversity

?? MIT | A Lens Onto Ourselves Symposium ? Featuring Keynotes & Panels By Our Co-Founders Phoenix of Gaza XR is honored to be part of this groundbreaking event, bringing immersive storytelling and digital resistance to MIT. Our co-founders, Naim A. and Dr. Ahlam Muhtaseb, will be speaking on how VR and immersive media serve as tools for memory justice, cultural preservation, and decolonization. ?? Keynote: How Can Technology Be Used for Repair and Reconstruction? (Feb 21 | 4:30 PM) ?? Panel: Memory Justice – Local Perspectives (Feb 22 | 10:30 AM) ?? Panel: Temporalities of Repair and Imagining Liberated Futures (Feb 22 | 1:00 PM) ?? Event Dates: February 21-22 ?? Location: MIT ?? Swipe to learn more about our speakers and topics!

?? The Phoenix of Gaza XR is coming to Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)?? Join us for this powerful VR exhibit from February 17-21, organized by the MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning and co-sponsored by Harvard Divinity School's Religion, Conflict, and Peace Initiative. This immersive experience connects everyday acts of resistance with longer-term world-building and freedom dreaming. ?? Step beyond the blockade and into Gaza’s vibrant life, culture, and resilience. ?? Explore 360-degree footage of historic landmarks, cultural traditions, bustling streets, and daily life—now serving as a cultural archive and historical preservation. ?? Location: MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning, Building (9) ?? Dates: February 17-21 ??? Keynote & Walkthrough with Co-founders Naim A. & Dr. Ahlam Muhtaseb – February 21 at 4 PM This exhibit is open to MIT and Harvard students and the public. ?? Register for a session: https://lnkd.in/g4H9eeMt #PhoenixOfGazaXR #MIT #Harvard #VirtualReality #GazaUnveiled #Palestine #FreedomDreaming

Moments from Gaza in the Sky at Fiske Planetarium University of Colorado, As we look back at some highlights from the unforgettable?Gaza in the Sky?experience, we're grateful to share these moments, beautifully captured by @humanizingthroughstory. This immersive journey brought Gaza's skies and stories to life, creating a deeply emotional and impactful experience for everyone who attended. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this event a success! For those lucky enough to be there, we hope the surprise elements made the night even more memorable. Stay connected as we share more moments and announce future events that continue to amplify Gaza’s stories and resilience. Together, we bring Gaza’s spirit closer to the world.

?? Experience Gaza Like Never Before: The Phoenix of Gaza XR VR Exhibition at Western States Communication Association ???? We are excited to bring the Phoenix of Gaza XR to the WSCA Convention on Saturday, February 15, 2025, from 10 AM to 2 PM! This immersive VR experience takes you beyond the headlines, offering a deep and personal look into Gaza’s resilience, transformation, and untold stories. ?? Special Highlight: Our co-found Naim A. will be speaking during the exhibition at 12:00 , sharing the vision behind this groundbreaking project. ?? Albuquerque, NM at WSCA Annual convention - Sponsored by OFRGC ?? Register here: https://lnkd.in/gp_jh3ki This is more than VR—it’s a testament to resilience, storytelling, and the power of immersive technology to foster understanding. We invite you to experience it firsthand. ?? Share this post to help us amplify Gaza’s untold stories. #GazaXR #VirtualReality #ImmersiveStorytelling #PhoenixOfGaza #Palestine #WSCA #VRforChange #SocialImpact #Storytelling #Resilience #TechForGood

Beyond the Stars: A Journey Through Gaza’s Reality at Fiske Planetarium - Event Recap What an unforgettable evening! With all 200 seats fully booked, the ‘Gaza in the Sky’ show illuminated Gaza’s sky, history, and resilience like never before. Attendees were captivated as they looked up at the dome, experiencing powerful scenes of Gaza’s beauty and heartbreak—from historic buildings to everyday life, even amidst devastation. The feedback was overwhelming. Many were deeply moved by the immersive and emotional journey, reminding us that Gaza is not just a place in the headlines; it’s a vibrant world full of stories, humanity, and hope. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us in this shared experience and to Fiske Planetarium for helping us bring Gaza’s spirit to the stars. We’re committed to continuing this mission and sharing Gaza’s reality in meaningful ways. Stay tuned for more, and thank you for being part of this journey. Voice by: dina bahhour Poem by: Refaat Alareer, may he rest in peace. #FiskePlanetarium #GazaXR #ImmersiveExperience #VirtualReality #GazaStories #HumanitarianArt #CulturalResilience #StorytellingThroughVR #VisualStorytelling #BeyondTheHeadlines #PalestinianVoices