March 26: Dancing in the Ruins

Dubke dancing in the ruins of the Red Crescent theatre, Telal Howa

The building in the shelled Telal Howa Red Crescent complex (which includes Al Quds Hospital, burned with phosphorous) that was worst hit during the attacks was the Red Crescent Theatre, which I believe also had a music school in it. It pretty much burnt down, and its ruins will be demolished. But this afternoon the Palestinian Brotherhood of Tunisia sponsored cultural groups, including the Watar Band and the specially formed dubke dancers, the Jerusalem Group for Folklore and Heritage, in a performance “at the scene of the broken Red Crescent“, and it was inspiring.

I will give you a short collection of photos from the afternoon at the end of this. I would also like to recommend some online reading and watching for you.

The Guardian website: Gaza War Crimes Investigation – 3 short films
1. Cut to pieces: the family drinking tea in a courtyard
2. Palestinian brothers: used as human shields in Gaza
3. Under attack: medics die trying to help casualties (this includes the footage of Hassan being shot, taken by my colleagues A and E while accompanying ambulances)

Human Rights Watch researchers in Gaza immediately after hostilities ended found spent shells, canister liners, and dozens of burnt felt wedges containing white phosphorus on city streets, apartment roofs, residential courtyards, and at a United Nations school. The report also presents ballistics evidence, photographs, and satellite imagery, as well as documents from the Israeli military and government….
Ma’an website: Human Rights Watch: Israel’s Use of White Phosphorous is Evidence of War Crimes

The growing protest against the atrocities committed by the Israeli military in the Gaza Strip have begun to change something in the Israeli political discourse, and the first indication of this can already be seen in the Israeli economic media…
The Alternative Information Centre website: Israelis are beginning to see the power of Boycott/Divestment/Sanctions (or, why British people shouldn’t shop at Marks&Sparks any more)

Red Crescent Theatre entrance foyer

Theatre childrens' activity area

Now the Theatre shell is open to the sky...

...because the roof fell in during the fire...

...and so did the second floor...

...but there are still balcony seats - sort of!

The Watar Band

Young dubke dancer in traditional costume