At the 34th Doha International Book Fair (DIBF), Palestinian authors gathered to discuss the importance of documenting Palestinian memory. They emphasized using arts, heritage, and culture to combat the false counter-narrative often spread about Palestine. The panel, titled ‘The Palestinian Narrative in Confronting the False Counter-Narrative,’ focused on amplifying the true Palestinian story.

Key Speakers and Insights

The panel included Dr. Nuha Afouna Al Aidi, Dr. Ahmad Rafiq Awad, and Fakhri Saleh. Moderated by poet Sami Mehanna, the discussion centered on the role of Palestinian writers and intellectuals in preserving history. They stressed the need to confront misinformation with authentic stories that reflect the richness of Palestinian culture.

Fighting Disinformation with Art

Firstly, Fakhri Saleh pointed out the false claim that Palestine is a land with no people. He reminded the audience of Palestine’s thriving cultural scene before the Nakba, highlighting famous figures like Umm Kulthum and Mohamed Abdel Wahab. Consequently, Saleh’s comments emphasized the importance of preserving this artistic history in the face of political challenges.

Recommended

UDST Marks Major Achievement with 10,000+ GraduatesHH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Attends the Last Graduation Ceremony of the University of Calgary in QatarAl Waab’s Infrastructure Gets a Boost

Moreover, Sami Mehanna noted that the occupying power’s efforts to distort the historical narrative need a collective response. In light of this, Palestinian writers must protect and amplify the true story to shape global views on the Palestinian cause.

Writers’ Role in Documenting History

Dr. Nuha Al Aidi discussed the importance of documenting Palestine’s history through literature and oral traditions. She shared how Haifa was once a vibrant cultural hub, illustrating the flourishing arts before the Nakba. Therefore, Al Aidi encouraged writers to preserve these stories for future generations before they are lost.

Cultural Interaction and Preservation

Furthermore, Dr. Ahmad Rafiq Awad emphasized the need for ongoing cultural exchange. He argued that documenting various forms of Palestinian art—literature, music, and visual arts—was key to preserving the Palestinian identity. Awad’s remarks underscored the importance of cultural movement to combat disinformation.

Finally, the 34th DIBF showcased Palestinian culture with 11 Palestinian publishing houses and many Palestinian writers and intellectuals. As a result, the event provided a platform for meaningful discussions on the importance of preserving Palestinian history and culture.