CULTURAL PROGRAM
CULTURAL PROGRAM
Exhibition
Gaza teaches us
This exhibition traces the ongoing genocide in Gaza through images and testimony, reflecting on over 21 months of relentless violence. Through art and photography, the exhibit documents the devastating toll of Zionist aggression while uplifting the stories of steadfastness and resistance that have defined this period. It stands as both a testament to the urgency of this moment and a critical demonstration of the role that arts and culture play in exposing systems of oppression and in documenting genocide. This exhibit invites viewers to witness in order to demand accountability and mobilize against this genocide.
Virtual Reality Exhibit
An Immersive Journey to Gaza
Saturday, 9:30am-5pm, Hussam Abu Safiya Room
This immersive VR experience offers a first-hand view of Gaza as documented by Gazawi artists and journalists. Since 2022, the Phoenix of Gaza team has been capturing 360-degree images and videos across Gaza from before and during this current ongoing genocide. The project documents daily life, historic landmarks, cultural sites, schools, mosques, churches, universities, cafes, streets, parks, markets, beaches, agricultural areas. Most of the places captured have been erased by the ongoing genocide. But these images and videos remain as an archive of memory, resistance, and life, and most importantly, a blueprint for rebuilding and return. This experience is held in loving memory of the beloved photojournalist, Yahya Sobeih, who was martyred on May 7, 2025. This is more than a memorial - it’s a refusal to let Gaza be erased.
SaturdayDabke Performance with Wishah and Baladi
August 30th at 6:30pm | Hussam Abu Safiya Hall
The Wishah Popular Dance Troupe and the Baladi Dance Group are two Palestinian dabke troupes from Al-Bireh, Ramallah, and Beit Jala, Palestine. Wishah and Baladi’s performances are a living archive of Palestinian resistance. Dabke carries, across generations, the stories of the Palestinian people: of land, exile, return, and steadfastness. In the face of genocide and erasure, Wishah and Baladi preserve and celebrate Palestinian culture and heritage in the face of efforts to erase it.
SundayCultural Night with the Palestinian Youth Ensemble and Fuad Foty
August 31st at 5:45pm | Hussam Abu Safiya Hall
The Palestinian Youth Ensemble will bring to life traditional and contemporary revolutionary songs—anthems that have carried the Palestinian struggle across generations. Their music honors the land, commemorates martyrs, and voices unwavering hope. This performance is a powerful expression of cultural resistance, ensuring that Palestine’s spirit is not only heard but deeply felt. Following their set, Fuad Foty takes the stage as a master oud instrumentalist, vocalist, and esteemed musical instructor with over three decades of experience. A co-founder of Quartertonez Music, Foty draws from his deep roots in classical Arabic music.