“Shatila: The Meeting Point”: A common space for Lebanese, Syrian, and Palestinian youth

“Even though she is in pain, she’s still dancing!” said Ma’ammar El Jasem, the 13 years old Syrian sculptor, standing proudly next to his creation: a ballerina wrapped by metal wires, not knowing that he’s representing the power of survival at such a young age.

Ma’amar among other artists, regardless of their differences in age and nationality, is participating in a three-day cultural festival organized by Basmeh and Zeitooneh NGO, on the occasion of the first anniversary of their Art and Culture Centre. “Shatila: The Meeting Point” was organized with the support of the UNDP “Peace Building in Lebanon” project through the Lebanon Recovery Fund and took place on May 7, 8 and 9, 2015, in the Centre in Shatila Camp.

“Taking pictures of what’s happening in Syria is my responsibility. I need to convey this message to the world, on behalf of the Syrian people. This is how we resist”, said Mohammed Abdullah, a 33-year-old Syrian photographer.

“We are benefiting from this event to break stereotypes around Shatila camp. It’s been constantly said that this camp is an isolated zone that discourages all young initiatives. Today we showed everyone the opposite reality by organizing this festival and thus providing a common space for the youth of the camp” explains Ms. Julia Jamal, arts and cultural center coordinator.

Walking in the streets of the camp, the sound of folkloric Arabic music is heard all the way from the fourth floor where the center pounds with life amid the visible difficult situation of the camp. The festivity began on the 7^th of May and lasted three busy days, inviting visitors from all over Beirut, to tour of different paintings by Lebanese, Palestinian & Syrian artists, then with Dabkeh shows by the Lebanese-Palestinian dance groups Ajras El Awde & Ahlam Laji’ moving all three nationalities to one pure Arabic groove, ending the first day with a performance by Lebanese singer Sandy Chamoun & her band.

Original article by Heba Rachrach

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“Shatila: The Meeting Point”: A common space for Lebanese, Syrian, and Palestinian youth