Bethlehem /PNN/
Alrowwad Cultural and Arts Society hosted His Excellency the Palestinian Minister of Culture, Mr. Emad Hamdan, in a new episode of Alrowwad Podcast, broadcast as part of the Investment in Human Rights Program. The in-depth dialogue addressed the state of the Palestinian cultural landscape and the role of culture in the struggle for existence, amid systematic attempts to erase and target Palestinian identity and collective memory.
The episode opened with journalist Mohammad Abu Haniyeh, Media Coordinator at Alrowwad, initiating a core discussion around a long-standing Palestinian question: Is culture still a luxury, or has it become the first line of defense for national identity? Minister Hamdan emphasized that Palestinian culture has never been marginal; rather, it has always constituted an act of resistance, a tool of steadfastness, and a bridge connecting the past, present, and future.
During the discussion, the Minister expressed his pride in being in Aida Refugee Camp, commending the pioneering role played by Alrowwad Cultural and Arts Society.
He praised its diverse cultural experience and media platforms—foremost among them Alrowwad Podcast—as an important outlet for amplifying the Palestinian cultural voice.
The dialogue also addressed the Ministry of Culture’s responsibility in safeguarding cultural rights, affirming that the Ministry is not merely a service provider but a genuine partner to intellectuals, artists, and heritage bearers, and a home for all forms of Palestinian creativity—from literature, theater, and music to traditional crafts and popular heritage.
The episode further discussed the role of culture in defending the Palestinian narrative globally. Minister Hamdan stressed the importance of cultural diplomacy as a key entry point to influencing public awareness worldwide, alongside official efforts. He noted that culture has the power to penetrate global narratives and convey the reality of what is happening in Palestine, particularly in light of the ongoing war on the Gaza Strip.
The conversation also addressed the impact of Israeli aggression on the cultural sector, highlighting the significant human losses among intellectuals, as well as the destruction of cultural centers, museums, libraries, and heritage sites. The Minister described these actions as a systematic cultural genocide targeting Palestinian identity alongside people and place.
Minister Hamdan reviewed key policies of the Ministry of Culture, foremost among them documenting and registering elements of Palestinian heritage with international organizations such as UNESCO, ICESCO, and ALECSO. He noted the recent registration of Nablus soap as a global Palestinian heritage element and the launch of the National Registry of Palestinian Cultural Elements.
In a related context, the Minister underscored the importance of partnership with civil society institutions, considering grassroots cultural work to be the backbone of the Palestinian cultural scene, despite limited resources and financial challenges. He affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting these institutions and to mobilizing specialized cultural funding.
The dialogue paid special attention to the role of Palestinian youth, whom the Minister described as standard-bearers and guardians of the cultural future. He highlighted initiatives, awards, and platforms launched by the Ministry to empower young people and enhance their participation in cultural action.
In concluding the episode, the Minister stressed that culture is the essence of any people’s identity, and that preserving and strengthening it is a collective national responsibility. He addressed Palestinian intellectuals as “soldiers of the Palestinian narrative,” who carry the pen, the brush, the lens, and the melody in the battle for awareness and memory.
The episode concluded by affirming that Palestinian culture is not a secondary file that can be postponed, but an open struggle over identity and the right to narrative, at a critical moment in the history of the Palestinian people.
