From dim red lights, noisy chatter and the subtle smell of wood and coffee, Haven created a safe haven for Palestinian diaspora, discussion and live art on Nov. 15.
Organized by Mount Juno, Global Minds Carleton, Students for Justice in Palestine Carleton and the University of Ottawa’s Palestinian Student Association, artists and viewers gathered for an event titled “When Rivers Die of Thirst.”
The event featured a panel discussion about settler colonialism and its impact on Palestinian communities, followed by live art performances.
Tasnim Bensaci, an author and University of Ottawa political science student, read one of her poems from Eloquent Tributes and two unpublished works at the event.
The readings followed narratives about her Algerian upbringing and its connection to the injustice she said she believes Palestinians are currently facing.
“These are people’s lives we’re talking about — they’re not numbers,” Bensaci said.
Throughout the event, artists and viewers discussed politics and shared personal stories.
Bensaci said she felt “emotional” during the event because it provided a safe opportunity for people to talk freely about the Israel-Palestine conflict, politics and law without fear of hate or judgment.
“This is a safe space for a lot of us,” Bensaci said.
She said that through art, messages can be delivered in a beautiful, loud way, or can reveal a new perspective to the viewer.
“If you just feel the atmosphere and the vibe today, there is such a big sense of community,” Bensaci said.
Amer showcased her mother Nihad Jasser’s “life project” at the event. Photos of poets and Palestinian art, including artwork created by Palestinian prisoners, were strung on a metal fixture. Amer said the piece was intended to convey the resistance of Palestinian artists and their creations.
During the panel discussion, Amer said she’d never thought about how art connected to her Palestinian culture until recently.
“I understand my people more and I understand what I’m fighting for,” Amer said.
Jordyn Crawford, vice-president of communications for Global Minds Carleton, said the event allowed for open dialogue about the ongoing conflict, and that it was an opportunity for people to immerse themselves in world issues and hear different, global perspectives.
“It’s very easy to ignore problems that are going on in the world because we live in Canada … but that doesn’t mean there aren’t human rights issues occuring,” Crawford said.
When activism is intersected with art, “it’s more digestible,” Crawford said.
“[People] are more inclined to listen to you and hear what you’re saying.”
“It really pushes it into the faces of people who are ignoring it and have the privilege of ignoring it,” Brown said.
“Supporting artists who are supporting activism is important.”
Featured Image by Josefine Lukaszek/the Charlatan.
