[[{"content_id":411017,"content_number":0,"portal_id":2,"lang_id":"en","content_title":"London’s Palestine Festival marks 20th year with renewed calls for accountability and aid for Gaza","content_rtitr":"","content_short_title":null,"content_summary":"Hundreds gathered at Byron Hall in Harrow on Saturday for the 20th Palestine Festival, an annual event organized by the Palestinian Forum in Britain, with this year’s edition dominated by appeals for justice and relief for Gaza.","content_summary_fill":1,"content_body":"In his keynote address, the Forum’s President Zaher Birawi said the festival “affirms the resilience of the Palestinian people” and sends “a message from London to besieged Gaza that our narrative will not be erased.” He described Israel’s assault as “a systematic act of genocide” and urged international accountability.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nVice-President Adnan Hmidan echoed the call, saying the festival underscores “ongoing solidarity with Gaza and rejection of settlement expansion, Judaization policies, and attempts to marginalize Palestinians in the diaspora.”\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nSpeakers included Dr Mohammed Tahir, Denise Gough, Ahmed Alnaouq, Lina Khattab and Kieran Andrieu, who discussed humanitarian needs, political advocacy and the role of diaspora communities.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nA segment of the event honored key contributors to Palestinian rights, among them neurosurgeon Dr Mohammed Tahir, emergency physician Dr James Smith, Holocaust survivor Stephen Kapos, councilor Andrea Gibson, digital advocate Chris Kunzler, and Freedom Flotilla participants Aaron “Air” White and Kieran Andrieu.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nThe cultural program featured a standout performance by the London Arab Orchestra led by Basel Saleh, alongside dabke, a set by Lowkey, children’s activities and traditional Palestinian food. A painting by artist Salim Assi depicting Gaza and Handala was auctioned for over $8,000.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nFundraising efforts during the festival raised more than $50,000 for orphan sponsorships and winter relief in Gaza.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nThe Forum announced that the celebrations will continue in Scotland, with Edinburgh set to host the next festival on 23 November under the theme “United for Gaza.”\r\n\r\n ","content_html":"

In his keynote address, the Forum’s President Zaher Birawi said the festival “affirms the resilience of the Palestinian people” and sends “a message from London to besieged Gaza that our narrative will not be erased.” He described Israel’s assault as “a systematic act of genocide” and urged international accountability.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

Vice-President Adnan Hmidan echoed the call, saying the festival underscores “ongoing solidarity with Gaza and rejection of settlement expansion, Judaization policies, and attempts to marginalize Palestinians in the diaspora.”<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

Speakers included Dr Mohammed Tahir, Denise Gough, Ahmed Alnaouq, Lina Khattab and Kieran Andrieu, who discussed humanitarian needs, political advocacy and the role of diaspora communities.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

A segment of the event honored key contributors to Palestinian rights, among them neurosurgeon Dr Mohammed Tahir, emergency physician Dr James Smith, Holocaust survivor Stephen Kapos, councilor Andrea Gibson, digital advocate Chris Kunzler, and Freedom Flotilla participants Aaron “Air” White and Kieran Andrieu.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

The cultural program featured a standout performance by the London Arab Orchestra led by Basel Saleh, alongside dabke, a set by Lowkey, children’s activities and traditional Palestinian food. A painting by artist Salim Assi depicting Gaza and Handala was auctioned for over $8,000.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

Fundraising efforts during the festival raised more than $50,000 for orphan sponsorships and winter relief in Gaza.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

The Forum announced that the celebrations will continue in Scotland, with Edinburgh set to host the next festival on 23 November under the theme “United for Gaza.”<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

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