Eye on Palestine Festival: 40 Organizations Gather in Ghent to Celebrate Culture and Solidarity

Ghent (Eurotoday): The Eye on Palestine Festival in Ghent, supported by 40 organizations, runs from November 21 to December 20, showcasing Palestinian culture through various events. Amani El Haddad highlights the festival’s role in promoting unity against discrimination.

The Eye on Palestine Festival in Ghent is an arts event supported by 40 local organizations. It aims to showcase Palestinian culture, art, and stories through various activities like exhibitions, film screenings, performances, debates, and workshops held in different locations around the city. The festival highlights Palestinian history and identity while encouraging discussions on social and political issues, bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds to promote understanding and solidarity through the arts.

What role does the Eye on Palestine Festival play in promoting cultural exchange in Ghent?

At the Eye on Palestine Festival, the Palestine Café in the Shopping Center Zuid serves as the main hub of the event. Visitors can stop by to learn about the festival’s activities, join discussions, or connect with others in a friendly setting. The café reflects the festival’s welcoming spirit and is supported by various cultural organizations, NGOs, and activist groups. 

The festival is now in its 8th year, but the situation has changed with the recent conflict in the region. There is a focus on civilian casualties in Gaza, and visitors can meet Palestinian residents of Ghent at the Café. Many well-known cultural organizations, like KASK, NTGent, Oxfam, and SMAK, along with smaller groups, are participating. Amani El Haddad from the Ghent Arts Consultation emphasized the importance of culture in society and the need to unite against racism and discrimination.