Maxine Peake and Mark Thomas headline in London as Palestinian Nakba is commemorated worldwide

The anniversary of the Palestinians’ dispossession and violent removal from their indigenous land in 1948 will be commemorated across the globe this weekend.

Across continents, from Australia to South America, Europe to Africa and North America, events will be held on 15 May to mark what is known to Palestinians as the Nakba.

In London, the actor Maxine Peake and comedian Mark Thomas will take part in a cultural evening hosted by Palestine Solidarity Campaign, the Palestine Festival of Literature and Al Zaytouna Dance Theatre.

The evening – Registered Alive – has been curated by Palestinian writer and director, Ahmed Masoud, and will also feature British Egyptian poet Sabrina Mahfouz, and a live score from musician and composer Dave Randall.

Like other events worldwide, Registered Alive is the culmination of a fortnight of talks, film showings, street theatre, vigils, stalls and exhibitions which have marked the 68th anniversary of the Nakba.

The UK has seen the largest number of events. Activities, organised by Palestine Solidarity Campaign and its local branches, have taken place daily from 3 May to 15 May.

Sara Apps, interim Director of Palestine Solidarity Campaign, said: “The aim of all these events has been to show that the dispossession and oppression of the Palestinian people, which began in 1948, didn’t end in 1948. The Israeli Government’s theft and colonisation of Palestinian land and its military occupation continue to this day.

“The Nakba, which translates as the catastrophe, was the beginning of the modern day situation in which the Palestinians find themselves living under Israeli occupation in the West Bank and Gaza, as second-class citizens within Israel or as exiles and refugees around the world.

“We remember the Nakba of 1948, and we will continue to campaign for a just solution so that Palestinians can enjoy the rights that we take for granted.”

Source: PNN