Beautiful resistance
We started the day, Monday 1 April, at Alrowwad Culture and Arts Society in Aida refugee camp. Alrowwad, which means pioneers, has responded to the occupation by involving people in art. The Centre’s artistic director Abdelfattah Abusrour has called this Beautiful Resistance. He told us: “Culture and education are beautiful acts of resistance and give people other ways of resisting the occupation than dying.”
Alrowwad started in Aida in the 1990s in a small way but through determination, and some international support, they are now a vibrant and vital part of Palestinian life and have recently opened a gallery and guesthouse in Aida. With 50% unemployment in Aida the 19 jobs at Alrowwad are of great importance. “When we started I said ‘with or without money we will do it’” Abdelfattah told us and added that those from outside Palestine who want to support them do so as partners, not as acts of charity.
“Arts are important because they are about humanity. When you see a painting or hear a piece of music you say you like it because it is American, or French or Palestinian.” He emphasised that the diversity of people is to be celebrated. “Differences are the most beautiful gift god gave us.”
Banksy is everywhere in Aida - stencils which may be originals, lots that look like copies and, of course, the Walled off Hotel. I wasn’t sure what to think when I first read about the hotel, but having been there I now think it is making an important contribution. The museum records in a brutally deadpan manner the various weapons of occupation - the one that stood out for me was the “stink cannon” which fires out noxious liquid which induces vomiting - but also included are more expected instruments of oppression such as CS gas canisters, which earlier in the day we found repurposed by Palestinian craftworkers into jewellery. More beautiful resistance.
Finished the day in Bethlehem where I got myself a lovely red and white kafir and for the first time I felt warm in the biting wind.
Alrowwad started in Aida in the 1990s in a small way but through determination, and some international support, they are now a vibrant and vital part of Palestinian life and have recently opened a gallery and guesthouse in Aida. With 50% unemployment in Aida the 19 jobs at Alrowwad are of great importance. “When we started I said ‘with or without money we will do it’” Abdelfattah told us and added that those from outside Palestine who want to support them do so as partners, not as acts of charity.
“Arts are important because they are about humanity. When you see a painting or hear a piece of music you say you like it because it is American, or French or Palestinian.” He emphasised that the diversity of people is to be celebrated. “Differences are the most beautiful gift god gave us.”
Banksy is everywhere in Aida - stencils which may be originals, lots that look like copies and, of course, the Walled off Hotel. I wasn’t sure what to think when I first read about the hotel, but having been there I now think it is making an important contribution. The museum records in a brutally deadpan manner the various weapons of occupation - the one that stood out for me was the “stink cannon” which fires out noxious liquid which induces vomiting - but also included are more expected instruments of oppression such as CS gas canisters, which earlier in the day we found repurposed by Palestinian craftworkers into jewellery. More beautiful resistance.
Finished the day in Bethlehem where I got myself a lovely red and white kafir and for the first time I felt warm in the biting wind.
Martin
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