Palestinian Ambassador, Professor Manuel Hassassian, together with the Lord Mayor of Bristol, Cllr Faruk Choudhury, will open an exhibition and day-event celebrating Palestine on Saturday 15th June.
A central-Bristol venue, the ARC on Broad Street, is being transformed into a “Palestinian Embassy”. Spread across three floors it will include a café serving Palestinian food, a cinema showing Palestinian films, and a gallery showing a major exhibition of Palestinian history, culture and solidarity.
The day-long conference will include talks and workshops on Palestine provided by local and national solidarity activists. It will also include contributors via a live video link from Gaza, West Bank, and from around the world.
On Saturday 15th June the frontage of the ARC club, on 27 Broad Street, BS1 2HG will be draped with a giant Palestine flag.
The Ambassador and Mayor will arrive at about 11.00am, they will tour the building and visit the Exhibition where they will make opening speeches at approximately 11.20.
There will be also be a photo-opportunity at the entrance of the building with the Mayor and Ambassador
as the Mayor leaves at about 11.45am.
The Ambassador will stay at the event until early afternoon and will be available for further interview.
The Exhibition will consist of the following:-
A major exhibition about the “Nakba” on loan from the Palestine Return Centre in London
A display of Palestinian crafts and embroidery
A photographic exhibition of the history of Palestine under the Ottomans, the British, and the present.
Photographic displays by recent visitors to Palestine including Circus-2-Palestine, Olive Planters & Harvesters, together with local solidarity campaigns
The exhibition will includes examples of famous cartoons linked with Palestine including Handala and Banksy, together with paintings by local artists.
This will be the largest exhibition on Palestine in Bristol
The day-long conference will include talks and workshops on two main areas:-
Firstly the history and geography and the current situation in Palestine.
Secondly building solidarity links locally in Bristol, nationally, and internationally.
Speakers will include local and national activists who have visited both the West Bank & Gaza building strong links with the Palestinian people.
In addition there will be a live video link to people in Gaza including speakers who have played a major part in social justice struggles for Palestinian rights.
Entry is free - Everyone welcome
Eddie, who runs the ARC on Broad Street, says
“It’s only in recent years that I’ve wised-up to what’s really happening in Palestine. It’s got to be one of the biggest injustices of our lifetimes. The sheer scale of the deceit and miss-information beggars belief. That’s why I’m passionate to do what I can to lift the lid on this well kept secret.
Rita, who is the conference organiser, says
“This will be the biggest Palestine exhibition in Bristol so far. It's been hard work but it will be worth it. This will be an exciting opportunity for Bristolpeople to learn more about Palestinian history, culture and struggle. I hope this will inspire people to fight for justice. There's a lot of new solidarity project taking off locally that people can get involved in.
The “Palestinian Embassy Exhibition and Day Conference is part of a weekend of events for Palestine.
On Friday 14th June, there will be a Benefit Gig for Palestinian Child Prisoners. From 8pm til midnight at the Arc Bar, Broad Street, Bristol BS1 2HG. Live music include Ska/funk band B.I.O., retro-rockers Alien Stash Tin, and power punkers Lens. Compared by irrepressible top stand up comedians and DJs. All money raised at the event will go to support child prisoners in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip and to help provide educational holiday activities for Palestinian girls. Entry is by donation with a minimum of £3.00
On Sunday 16th June, Palestine campaigners will be running an information stall as part of the Celebrating Sanctuary in Queen Square. 1.00 – 6.30pm Queens Square, Bristol BS1. Free launch festival for Refugee Week including international music, dance, and cultural entertainment. www.
BACKGROUND NOTES: Bristol has a long history of links with Palestine. From peace campaigners to faith groups, from football teams to circus performers to Banksy, many Bristolians have visited Palestine. Following the attacks on Gaza in winter 2008/9 a group Bristol-Gaza-Link was formed, with all party support from the City Council. It organised several aid convoys to Gaza including an ambulance and a giant articulated truck decorated with images of Wallace and Grommit. In May 2010, two Bristol citizens were within inches of death on-board the aid ship, Mavi Marmara, when it was attacked by Israeli commandos. Bristol was also the first local council in the country passing a motion condemning these attacks and calling for boycott and divestment of Israel. Following a student occupation in 2009, UWE has established a “Conflict Zone Bursary” which has funded two students from Gaza. Local campaigners build awareness of Palestine issues through meetings, boycott actions, and cultural events. Bristol also hosts a Palestine Film Festival at the Watershed every year
This event is organize by Alien Coconut Charity in collaboration with Facilitate Global and valuable members of psc
If you tremble indignation at every injustice then you are a comrade of mine.
Ernesto 'Che' Guevara
(1928-1967) Latin American Revolutionary
Ernesto 'Che' Guevara
(1928-1967) Latin American Revolutionary
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