Following their sell out 2014 Irish tour, the Youth Group from Lajee Cultural Centre, Aida Camp in Bethlehem are back, embarking on a nationwide tour of Ireland.
The group will perform in the Town Hall, Galway on Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 8pm. The inspirational performers will enjoy sharing their music and dance alongside traditional Irish musicians and dancers.
The tour allows the 19 young people, aged 12-18 years from Aida Refugee Camp in the West Bank to showcase their arts and culture, express their cultural identity and resistance and talk about their lives.
Their tour starts in Liberty Hall, Dublin from September 13th with their final concert in Galway on the 21st. Their engaging and creative programme of dance, music, film, photography and talks is years’ work of effort allowing the teenagers dream come to fruition.
Lajee Director Mohammad Alazza said “we have put huge effort into creating an exciting tour to share our Palestinian culture with Ireland. Having performed in Dublin in 2014 our young performers are dedicated to showcasing their arts and culture and look forward to once again performing alongside their Irish counterparts throughout the week.”
Fidelma Bonass, Lajee to Ireland Tour Coordinator, said “the young group will show their strength of spirit through their music and dance. There will also be a photography exhibition taken by the group, giving an insight into what life is like living under occupation in the West Bank. We very much hope that the Irish will embrace this tour and show their solidarity to the Palestinians. Admission is free but you must register on Eventbrite”
Aida camp is in the West Bank. It is under constant military presence. It is situated very close to two main checkpoints near Jerusalem and Bethlehem making it vulnerable to a number of protection concerns.
The small and densely populated refugee camp has long been the target of Israeli military raids and in 2018 the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees designated Aida as the community most exposed to tear gas in the world.
Residents have limited access to employment, movement, education, healthcare and so have responded by organising a recreational space including a playground, garden and soccer field. This is covered to protect children and adults from ongoing tear gas and bullet attacks.
