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Report Back from Celebrate Palestine: 60 Years of Resistance

author: Elliot Stoller
May 12, 2008 13:08

The Palestinian Community presented a cultural celebration Saturday, May 10th, at Seattle Central Community College. Celebrate Palestine, 60 years of Resistance included traditional dance, music, and remembrance. The event here in Seattle was one of many events around the world.


	Nakba means the catastrophe, disaster or cataclysm. This is the word used to describe what happened to Palestinians with the establishment of Israel in 1948 and the resulting ethnic cleansing. In 1948, Israel destroyed over 450 Palestinian villages. The United Nations estimates over 700,000 Palestinians became refugees as a result. Now, sixty years after the war, Israel continues its policy of ethnic cleansing. The United Nations maintains 59 refugee camps in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, the West Bank, and Gaza. Between 2000 and 2008, over 7000 Palestinian homes were destroyed. Despite the overwhelming military power of Israel, Palestinians continue to resist. In between music and dance performances, individuals spoke about their memories of life in Palestine before they lost their homes. There was a photo exhibit which showed Palestinians in Palestine before the state of Israel was created in 1948.


Amin Odeh, master of ceremonies

Traditional Dancer

Palestinian Singer Reem Kelani
	Musician playing traditional music on the Oude

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Comments

Resistance
Posted by: bob burns at May 12, 2008 19:21

When blind resistance becomes tolerant accommodation, progress can begin

Wait How Long?
Posted by: ./ at May 12, 2008 20:58

It's been 60 years since the Palestinians have been driven from their lands. I don't think that Israel will ever willingly shift to tolerant accommodation while it has idiots like George W. Bush and the U.S. congress in its back pocket.

Beautiful photographs Elliot.
Posted by: Bill Moyer at May 13, 2008 11:58

Well done Elliot. Our movement is so fortunate to have your documentation of the human faces of people involved and effected.

thankyou elliot
Posted by: hap bockelie at May 14, 2008 14:38

elliot, once again your photographic eloquence does justice to the testemony of resistance in seattle. i'd have to say the movement against empire, and for social justice, thanks you.

Zionism is Racism
Posted by: Ziyad in Seattle at May 14, 2008 17:12

Elliot,

Many thinks for your hard work in trying to bring justice closer to reality through the lens of your camera. Keep up the good work.

"Wars are never fought for altruistic reasons. They're usually fought for hegemony, for business. And then of course there's the business of war."

What Should Be Done
Posted by: concerned at May 16, 2008 03:31

Egypt should open their borders and trade for Gaza.
Fatah should desolve.
Muslim Brotherhood should help Hamas.

Stella!

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Report Back from Celebrate Palestine: 60 Years of Resistance