Laila Hussein Moustafa writes: “Among the many tragedies in the Gaza Strip over the eight weeks since Israel began bombardment is the destruction of the main public library in Gaza City on Nov. 27. When libraries are attacked, more than the horrific destruction of books is involved. They hold collective memory, preserve cultural heritage, showcase societal development, and afford individuals the opportunity for learning and growth. Today the implications of destroying libraries and cultural heritage go further than ever before, creating not only a loss of knowledge, but also a void in data that inform models for artificial intelligence.”