Saturday, March 26, 2011
Seeking justice: East Jerusalem is an integral part of the Palestinian homeland
Arab experts plan to go all the way to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to seek justice over ongoing Israeli archaeological excavations underneath Al Aqsa Mosque and the continued efforts to Judaise the Old City of Jerusalem.
Arab archaeologists, conservationists and Arab and Muslim heritage experts met in Amman last week under the auspices of the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation and the Jordanian Department of Antiquities to compile evidence on the Israeli excavations that aim to lay the basis for Judaising the Old City of Jerusalem by denying or erasing all traces of Arab and Muslim heritage sites.
Israel is also being charged with going ahead with the “City of David Project” that entails the construction of a park right in the centre of Silwan, a key suburb of East Jerusalem populated by Palestinian Arabs.
Seeking justice from the ICJ on this issue may end up being more academic than real, and in any case unnecessary since it is a well known fact that East Jerusalem is an integral part of the Palestinian homeland and universally recognised as a city containing very important Islamic and Christian sites.
The UN General Assembly as well as the Security Council have adopted a string of resolutions confirming that East Jerusalem is an occupied territory and called on Israel to cease and desist from altering its status, either by unilaterally annexing it or otherwise.
International law also forbids an occupying power from carrying out any demographic or cultural changes in occupied territories, including any form of excavation that aims to alter its historical, political, religious or cultural status.
Under the circumstances going to the ICJ may not be necessary to assert Palestinian rights in East Jerusalem, including the prevention of any alteration, physical or otherwise, in the status of East Jerusalem and its religious or cultural heritage.
The ultimate solution to this problem is to end the Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands including East Jerusalem, once and for all.
Friday, March 25, 2011
PLO DELEGATION Press Release RE the recent cycle of violence in the Gaza Strip and Jerusalem & the urgent need to end the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict
Press Release:
The recent cycle of violence in the Gaza Strip and Jerusalem indicates the urgent need to end the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict and the Israeli military occupation of the Palestinian people. The deaths of 8 Palestinians on Tuesday, (including innocent youth ages 11, 16 and 20 who were playing football with a middle-aged man watching close by), and the subsequent bus explosion which left innocent civilians dead only serve to confirm the volatility of the current state of affairs. The Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian National Authority have condemned of all acts of violence against civilians by Palestinians and Israelis alike in the strongest terms. The General Delegation of the P.L.O to the United States urges the U.S. administration and the international community to condemn the killings on both sides in equal and unequivocal terms. Ignoring violence perpetrated by the Israeli army and fanatical settlers against Palestinians civilians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank will only encourage further violence and counter-violence.
Le Trio Joubran: AsFâr – with "a compelling, intuitive style that allows the Arabic lute [oud] to be heard in a new way..."
Le Trio Joubran: AsFâr – review
(World Village)
This is the first international release that does full justice to three of the most original musicians in the Arab world: Samir, Wissam and Adnan Joubran are brothers and oud players from Palestine who have developed a compelling, intuitive style that allows the Arabic lute to be heard in a new way, not just in backing work or solos but as a trio instrument in complex, emotional and remarkably varied compositions.Their last album was a poetry-and-music set, dominated by the writing of the late Mahmoud Darwish and aimed largely at the Arab world, but this recording displays their instrumental work at its best.
Their playing is backed by percussion and the occasional drifting scat vocal from the Tunisian musician Dhafer Youssef, and their oud work changes within every track: sturdy, stately passages develop into improvisations that echo jazz or blues; brooding, atmospheric pieces like Dawwâr El Shames could easily be used as classy film music; quietly epic tracks like Sama Cordoba build up into rapid-fire complex arrangements.
In order to sound spontaneous, they chose not to rehearse before going into the studio.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Palestinian Refugee Children Perform Fable for Hope
Art and entertainment, incl music, excl film and celebrity Edinburgh/Lothians March 24 2011 14:06Forget the headlines and the sound bites – what do young Palestinian refugees really want to say?
Children from Shatila, a Palestinian Refugee Camp in Beirut, will perform Peter Mortimer’s fable, Croak, the King and a Change in the Weather, on Wednesday 6 April in Edinburgh.
Croak, the King and a Change in the Weather tells the story of how a cruel and dictatorial monarch is brought down by the forces of nature using live music, dance and mime. Having already performed in Gateshead’s The Sage and then set for Liverpool on the 8 April this is an experience quite different to the usual confines of their squalid refugee camp. Investment from Creative Scotland has now helped bring the young performers to Scotland all of whom have never left the camp before.
Emma Turnbull, Development Officer for Creative Scotland said; ‘The Shatila project is an exciting and important piece of work. The performance of ‘Croak, the King and a change in the weather’ will offer performers and audiences a rare opportunity to look at complex universal issues through the medium of a modern fable. It is a refreshing and energetic project which embodies the spirit of hope, change and second chances.’
With a constant wave of change echoing out from the younger generations, it seems a passionate allegory gives voice to their optimism for the future of their plight and the Storytelling Centre is proud to host the event as Donald Smith, Director of the Scottish Storytelling Centre explains:
“We talk a good game in Scotland about creativity releasing and empowering, but these Palestinian youngsters have never been abroad and rarely outside Shatila Refugee Camp. Aided by Newcastle based writer and director Peter Mortimer, the youngsters make an age old Palestinian tradition, now deracinated, their own, and bring it to life for us as part of Ceilidh Culture. The Storytelling Centre is a place you can make connections, between story, song, music and drama; between cultures; between generations, and across barricades. Storytelling is a grassroots art and taps into the sources of common humanity. There is political edge in this visit as Palestine remains a besieged and partitioned country. But sometimes amidst ideological discord the notes of humanity are more clearly heard through art. Surely the young of every culture deserve their chance.”
In late 2009, after a year of dedicated fund-raising in the UK, the original cast of Palestinian youngsters travelled to North East England and gave eight performances of the play to large and appreciative audiences. Spurred on by this success, in February 2011, with a new cast of Shatila children and the support of a choreographer, stage manager and musicians, Peter staged a full week at Theatre Monot in the mainly Christian East Beirut. For Palestinian young people to perform in a professional theatre in East Beirut is a landmark of some significance.
And the significance in their approach to the piece speaks volumes, as explained by Frances Guy, Ambassador to the Republic of Lebanon, Beirut;
“In the original version of the play, the tyrant and his assistant pay the ultimate price for their abuse of power. But the Shatila kids asked Peter to change the ending to give the King a second chance. To preserve that sense of humanity and forgiveness beyond the planks of the theatre is pertinent to our times. But beyond that, the performance of these enthusiastic kids from a Palestinian camp that in its history has seen the worst of atrocities is exhilarating. These kids, whose daily life is a battle against overcrowding, damp, fallen electricity wires, lack of income and long term medical problems, show us a humanity that many in the Middle East and beyond are lacking.”
Children, in themselves symbols of resilience and optimism, should not have to chase after sanguinity. Neither should they have to trust in it blindly. The play accumulates a multiplicity of significance because it is performed by children and because of their enjoyment in what they have invested in it. Described as a “fable on how the mighty are undone,” it’s even more a plea, an exemplar and a rebuke. It calls for change, though it never once asks for it categorically.
Palestinian Prime Minister Fayyad: 'An Independent Palestine Is in Israel's Interest'
So you're trying to catapult the Palestinians into a Middle Eastern role model?
All we want is a state of our own. If in the process we manage to do it with such high standards, all the better. Our right to freedom has always been seen as something we somehow have to earn, which is unfair. But if we can show the world a stable Palestine with a well-functioning infrastructure that provides reliable services to its residents, we'll have created the reality of a state. It will be very hard for the world to ignore it, and will kickstart the political process...."
Palestinian Prime Minister Fayyad: 'An Independent Palestine Is in Israel's Interest'
"On August 26 there will be a Palestinian state, and it will be open to all," says Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad in exclusive Metro interview. By Elisabeth Braw, Metro World News, Ramallah.... READ MOREWednesday, March 23, 2011
The American Task Force on Palestine (ATFP) Deplores Violence, Warns Against Escalation of Conflict
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Information: Ghaith al-Omari
March 23, 2011 - 12:00am
Washington, DC, March 23 -- The American Task Force on Palestine (ATFP) has been following the escalating violence between Palestinians and Israel over the recent weeks with growing alarm. ATFP reiterates its unequivocal condemnation of all forms of terrorism and the killing of innocent civilians no matter who the perpetrators or the victims might be and no matter in what cause such actions are rationalized. The particularly indefensible and contemptible killing of children must especially be condemned without reservation.
The recent violence targeting Palestinians and Israelis in the West Bank, the increased firing of missiles against southern Israel, Israeli attacks that have caused civilian casualties in Gaza, and today’s terrorist bombing in Jerusalem are all creating an explosive situation that could spiral out of everyone’s control. As ATFP calls for investigating and punishing those involved in terrorism and violence against civilians, the Task Force also urges all sides to restrain their actions and rhetoric to avoid a descent into war and all-out confrontation that cannot serve the interests of any responsible parties and would further damage the prospects for peace.
Joharah Baker: Palestinian Women Deserve Celebration
We still have a long way to go, though. Social change is always slow but once the ball is rolling there is no stopping it. Here in Palestine, we still battle sexism, prejudices against women and female-related issues such as early marriage and female school dropout. But the change is happening and we Palestinian women who know what independence looks like in a society that does not always celebrate it will surely pass that down to our daughters and to our sons so they honor and respect the women in their lives. It is only logical that a strong society needs strong men and women as its driving force. Palestine surely has both." Joharah Baker
Joharah Baker is the Director of the Media and Information Department at the Palestinian Initiative for the Promotion of Global Dialogue and Democracy (MIFTAH). She can be contacted at mid@miftah.org.
Daoud Kuttab: Palestinian Authority recalibrating its strategy
A more radical approach will also be discussed in the upcoming Central Council meeting, namely the fact that if serious talks do not produce agreements on borders by next fall, the Palestinian Authority should simply dissolve itself and turn over the keys to the Israeli occupiers. The idea is that unless Israel bears the full cost of and responsibility for occupation, it will not be able to make constructive and fair compromises towards the end of its military occupation." Daoud Kuttab
Palestinian Authority recalibrating its strategy
Miral, a New Film about the Palestinian Experience, Screens in NY, LA, DC and Other Select Cities!
Miral, a New Film about the Palestinian Experience, Screens in NY, LA, DC and Other Select Cities! On Friday, March 25th, in New York City and Los Angeles, director Julian Schnabel and distributor Harvey Weinstein are releasing a new film, Miral, based on the autobiographical novel by Palestinian journalist Rula Jebreal. The movie narrates the personal and political experiences of three generations of Palestinian women as the social landscape in which they live changes with dramatic developments: the creation of the state of Israel in 1948, the first Palestinian uprising against Israel's occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip in 1987, and the signing of the Oslo Accords in 1993. The American Task Force on Palestine believes that since Miral deals with important topics that have rarely been addressed in major American motion pictures, the film should be widely and openly screened, debated and discussed. Both Schnabel and Weinstein have emphasized the need for Americans to be exposed to Palestinian narratives in order to better promote peace in the Middle East.
ATFP encourages its friends and supporters to attend screenings of the film in theaters in New York City and Los Angeles this opening weekend to send a powerful message that Miral deals with an important subject matter that must be part of our American conversation, and that there is strong public appetite for movies that deal with the Palestinian experience. Opening weekend success will increase chances for more mainstream Americans to see Miral by helping to determine its schedule for distribution in the rest of the country.
Please get your tickets ASAP. Special Q & A's screenings with Julian Schnabel will be held in NY & LA and these events should prove particularly fruitful and engaging. Group events are the best way to sell-out theaters, and ATFP encourages its friends and supporters to consider organizing them. For special Group Sales information, please contact David Hinjosa at the Weinstein Company on 212.845.8650 or email him at David.Hinjosa@weinstein.com.
To view the trailer and read more about the film, go to www.miralmovie.com.
MIRAL will be released by The Weinstein Company in NY and LA on Friday, March 25th. Opening in select cities on Friday, April 1st.
Q&A's with filmmaker Julian Schnabel after the below showings:
Friday : Lincoln Plaza: After their 5:50PM show / Angelika after their 8PM show
Saturday : Angelika after the 5:45 / Lincoln Plaza after their 8:00 PM show
Sunday : Lincoln Plaza after their 3:30PM show / Angelika after their 5:45PM
Miral Opening Dates & Theaters (Please note that schedules are subject to change)
3/25/11
New York, CT-NJ-NY-PA
-- Lincoln Plaza
-- Angelika Film Center 6
Los Angeles, CA
-- The Landmark
-- ArcLight Hollywood 15
4/1/1
New York, CT-NJ-NY-PA
-- Clairidge Cinemas 6
Los Angeles, CA
-- Town Center 5
-- Playhouse 7 Cinemas
-- University Town Center 6
Philadelphia, DE-NJ-PA
-- Ritz East 2
San Francisco-Oakland- San J
-- Landmark Embarcadero
-- Century Regency Cinema
Boston, MA-NH-VT
-- Kendall Square Cinema 9
Washington, DC, DC-MD-PA
-- Bethesda Row Cinema
Detroit, MI
-- Uptown Birmingham 8
Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN-WI
-- Lagoon Cinema
San Diego, CA
-- Hillcrest
4/15/11
Chicago, IL-IN
-- Landmark's Century Center
Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX
-- Angelika Film Center (Dallas)
-- Angelika Film Center (Plano)
Houston, TX
-- River Oaks Theater
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Palestinian Women: Narrative Histories and Gendered Memories... & more from This Week in Palestine
Palestinian Women: Narrative Histories and Gendered MemoriesFatma Kassem has made the empowerment of Arab women inside Israel, and the wider region, her life’s work. As a lecturer in behavioural sciences at Ben Gurion University in the Negev, she has published several texts on the subject, and her activism led her to a directorship in ESCWA (United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia). She also serves as a board member of the association for promoting higher education among Bedouin women in the Negev.
The majority of Kassem’s published work has dealt with current issues, such as Knowledge, Action and Resistance: The Selective Use of Pre-natal Screening Among Bedouin Women of the Negev (2001). With Narrative Histories and Gendered Memories she turns her attention to the thorny subject of the 1948 Nakba, and specifically the mark it left on Palestinian women who lived through it. It represents the first serious attempt to “document the experiences and the historical narrative of ordinary Palestinian women who witnessed the events,” through a series of fascinating interviews encompassing a diverse range of perspectives.
Kassem analyses why these voices have not been heard over the past 60 years, dealing with Israel’s systematic repression of unwelcome historical accounts. This repression is most extreme when addressing the Nakba, which Israeli schools are forbidden to teach. She provides deeply personal accounts of women’s trauma and loss, filtering them through the prism of her own experience, using the insights gleaned from decades of working in Israeli academic institutions. She also examines the continuing role that events of 1948 play in Palestinian and Israeli society today, finding that guilt, fear, denial, and hatred colour attitudes and are passed down through generations. She argues that without recognition of this dark chapter of history, relations between populations will remain poisonous.
The author allows her sources to speak for themselves without much of the patronising, interpretative leaps that undermine other academic approaches to the Palestine/Israel conflict. By allowing female witnesses an unreconstructed voice she gives their previously overlooked perspectives greater authority, and she and readers are rewarded with powerful, original accounts.
Most fascinating are the passages dealing with how witnesses chart the evolution of resistance movements from 1948 to the present day, how Nakba victims inside Israel seek to preserve their identity and reject historic injustices despite the mounting pressure they face to assimilate and forget. The witnesses’ need to manage daily realities while maintaining deeply held values is touchingly observed.
Kassem also devotes attention to her specialist subject of women’s subordination in the region, so that history marries the present day, but this important and fresh approach to 1948 should not be dismissed as generic feminism. Available from March 29, this should be on every bookshelf.
Palestine: A Land of World Heritage Sites - Our Gift to Eternity: Securing Protection for Palestine’s Heritage Sites
By Khouloud Daibes
Bethlehem in watercolor- World Heritage in Palestine: From Inventory to Nomination
By Dr. Hamdan Taha - Battir Cultural Landscape wins the Melina Mercouri International Prize for the Safeguarding and Management of Cultural Landscapes
By Giovanni Fontana Antonelli
The terrace landscape of Battir. Photo by Federico Busonero/ UNESCO Photo Archive.- Palestinian Cave Culture Underground Cities and Cave Dwellings in the Mountains of HebronBy Dr. Ali Qleibo
In 1952 Abu Farid’s father moved out of the family cave and built the first domed room right on top of their cave dwelling. Domeh.
- Palestine: A Future for Its Heritage?
By Peter Fowler
Roman ruins of Sebastia. Photo from Palestine Image Bank.- Palestinian Atmospheres: An Extraordinary Journey for the Preservation of Cultural Diversity
By Giovanni Fontana Antonelli - Outdoor Adventures with a Dash of Heritage
By Bassam Almohor/TWIP
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