How is Israel using cultural erasure as a weapon of war?
Beyond the human suffering during Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza, what is at stake when centuries-old Palestinian culture is wiped away?
From the destruction of cultural centres such as Gaza’s century-old Archive Building to the targeted killing of artists such as renowned poet Refaat Alareer, Israel is wiping out facets of Palestinian culture in its ongoing war on the besieged territory. Under international law, deliberate targeting of cultural heritage is considered a war crime according to UNESCO’s 1954 Convention, which prohibits the destruction of cultural sites during war or conflict. But what exactly is at stake when centuries-old culture is wiped away and what are Palestinian artists doing to preserve what remains?
Presenter:
Anelise Borges
Guests:
Ahmed Tobasi – Artistic director, The Freedom Theatre
Mayar Hamdan – Writer and director
Serena Rasoul – PhD student and academic