Desertpeace

Friends of Palestine Society Presents:

The Nakba – Voices for Palestine

Featuring: His Excellency Dr. Manuel Hassassian the Palestinian Ambassador to the UK, Gilad Atzmon and band, Nizar Al Issa and More…

University of Exeter, Monday May 12th, 2008:

On commemoration of the 60th anniversary of The Nakbah, meaning: “The Catastrophe”: The expulsion and dispossession of hundreds of thousands Palestinians from their homes and land in 1948. More than 60 percent of the total Palestinian population was expelled. Over 530 Palestinian villages were depopulated and completely destroyed.

The society is putting together a gala with the main theme being ‘60 Years Later… Still No Peace…Still Existing”. The gala will celebrate Palestinian heritage: music and dabkah which continue to unite the Palestinian Diaspora despite the circumstances. More importantly the event aims to raise awareness and promote Peace by introducing prestigious academics in the field highlighting the Nakba’s history, present and suggestions to the future.

The event will take place on Streatham Campus in the Peter Chalk Centre, Stocker Road, EX4 4QD.

You are cordially invited to join us at what promises to be the largest event yet organized by Exeter Friends of Palestine

Donations will be highly appreciated.

Enclosed Event Program

The Nakba – Voices for Palestine
Program

6:00-7:30

The event will start by illustrating the major historical facts. Followed by, His Excellency Dr Manuel Hassassian, to speak about the current political implications and the future of the Palestinians. Time will be allotted for a Q&A session with the audience.

As a prelude to the cultural element of the evening, Gilad Atzmon will discuss his article ‘Primacy of the Ear’, in which he describes his personal journey from what he calls a ‘Judeo-centric upbringing’ to his realisation that ‘Israeli “peace-making”…wasn’t there to reconcile with the Palestinians’.

Intermission: Middle Eastern refreshments will be served

8:00-9:30

Two accomplished artists from Israel and Palestine gathered to inspire peace:

Gilad Atzmon, a leading professional Jazz musician, a very talented saxophonist and his Band. His performance is a real honour given how critically acclaimed he is – Clive Davis of the Sunday Times called him “one of the most distinctive saxophonists on the British circuit”.

Nizar al-Issa, a very famous Palestinian vocalist and Oud player. Nizar is high acclaimed for his creativity and ability to fuse his work with blues and jazz.

A performance of traditional folk dance of the Middle-East by the Exeter Dabkah Group.