On Thursday, April 25, the Arab Student Union (ASU) hosted a Palestinian Culture Night that was originally planned for January, but was postponed by administration. Students, teachers, and community members filled the Jackson-Reed atrium with Palestinian iconography, artwork, performances, and food from a local restaurant.
In her opening remarks, sophomore and host Yasmine Foty provided context for the evening and noted the controversy surrounding the event’s postponement and the ongoing situation in Gaza.
ASU leader Hala Elamine explained the intent behind the event, saying, “I wanted students to be there so they could learn, but even if they weren’t there, just having the event means people were thinking about Palestine.”
ASU staff sponsor and science teacher Philip Bechara continued, “Bringing awareness to Palestine and its culture was especially important given what’s happening right now in Gaza.”
A general sentiment that emerged during the night was that the event was a local extension of the protests and encampments for Palestine on college campuses nationwide. However, the focus remained on celebrating the humanity of Palestinian culture at JR.
Belly dancer Crystal Silmi and the all-female Malikat al Dabke, a dance troupe with two JR alumni, performed. The troupe performed with a Palestinian flag and movements representing people surrendering on their knees. They also initiated chants of “free free Palestine” and “long live Palestine.”
Poetry was read throughout the night in Spanish, English, and Arabic. Palestinian poet Zeina Azzam, the poet laureate of Alexandria, was in attendance. “I wanted to support the students here and appreciate what [they] are doing. It’s important to uplift other cultures, and, particularly now, Palestine,” she said.
Fuad Foty, who emigrated from Palestine at age 13, and Nadine Foty performed traditional Palestinian songs describing Palestinian experiences. Additionally, Fairouz Foty performed opera.
Political sentiments were expressed through various forms throughout the event. From lyrics translating to “we have fired missiles at our enemies…long live Palestine and crush Zionism” to songs and poems about Palestinian political prisoners, the event spurred discussions about separating politics and culture.
11th grade counselor Patrice Maites said, “my frustration is that it was not a cultural night; it was much more than a cultural night. Culture to me is about life, family, arts, music – not putting out political statements. Especially at a time like this.”
In response to the political prevalence in the night, Yasmine Foty said, “Palestinian culture is synonymous with Palestinian politics. Palestinian people have suffered so much throughout history because of political objectives and therefore that history of suffering has been integrated into the cultural aspects of Palestine.”
Social Studies teacher Eduardo Canedo said, “I think [Palestinian Culture Night] is a positive step. What we’ve seen with this whole ASU controversy is that the more speech and political expression are suppressed, the more conflict erupts.”
