STORY: Gazan artists organize concert to revive Palestinian cultural heritage
DATELINE: July 14, 2023
LENGTH: 00:03:05
LOCATION: GAZA, Palestine
CATEGORY: CULTURE

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the concert in Gaza
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): ISMAIL DAOUD, Leader of the Gaza Arabic Music Band
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): MOHAMED OBAID, Coordinator of the Kamandjati Concert

STORYLINE:

A group of artists organized a concert in an archaeological site of the Gaza Strip on Tuesday evening, as they seek to raise awareness of Palestinian cultural heritage in the besieged coastal enclave.

The concert, named "Soul's Journey," was held by the non-governmental Kamandjati association in collaboration with Premiere Urgence International in Tell Umm Amer, an archaeological site in the central part of the Gaza Strip that boasts the remains of the Monastery of Saint Hilarion.

"We have organized this musical concert in Gaza to bring joy to our people as well as revive the Palestinian cultural heritage that was lost in our territory because of endless political and economic crises," said Mohammed Lumani, the coordinator of the musical event.

"To convey our message to the world that Gaza has a rich heritage, not only in the cultural side, but also in all aspects of our life, we focus on the most prominent Palestinian archaeological sites and landmarks by organizing several cultural events there," he added.

Public musical events are rarely held in the Gaza Strip due to the lack of relevant institutions and professionals.

"People in Gaza are really looking forward to attending such musical events in public places, to having some entertainment and having a chance to get out of their depression that resulted from hardships of life," said Mohammed Obeid, an organizer of the concert, adding he hoped the concert can "give a kind of hope" to people in Gaza.

Hundreds of people attended the concert, during which they interacted with the performers.

"I am so happy to attend such an incredible event as we usually have to travel outside of Gaza to be able to enjoy such events," said Maha Sawarha, a 25-year-old Gazan woman who was busy taking pictures of the singers during the concert.

SSOUNDBITE 1 (Arabic): ISMAIL DAOUD, Leader of the Gaza Arabic Music Band
"Today we are participating in the spiritual and traditional music festival, which is hosted by the Al Kamandjati band. This festival is held annually in order to emphasize the authenticity of Palestinian music and heritage. We hold these concerts in archaeological sites to emphasize the authenticity of Palestinian art, as well as to reflect on the heritage and history of Palestine and the importance of music to the Palestinian people."

SOUNDBITE 2 (Arabic): MOHAMED OBAID, Coordinator of the Kamandjati Concert
"We presented our concern from an archaeological place in Gaza, where there is a large group of activists and artists, as well as the locals, participate in this distinguished artistic event, which will revive the Palestinian artistic heritage."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Gaza, Palestine.
(XHTV)