“Basma’s Tent”, Palestinian Folklore and Quizzes – a Full Program at the Eid al- Adha Gathering

The Palestinian Community Association, in collaboration with the Palestine Association Bern, organized an Eid al-Adha gathering in Bern last Saturday. Over 200 community members and supporters of Palestine from various Swiss cantons, as well as representatives from the Swiss Journalists' Union, attended the event.

The program offered a diverse set of segments, starting with a welcome address that included a minute of silence in memory of the martyrs of Gaza. Up next, a presentation showcased the activities, goals, and key programs of the Palestinian Community Association since its establishment in February. The opening also included a speech on the occasion of Eid al-Adha and on the inhumane conditions our people in the Gaza Strip are enduring amidst the genocidal war waged by the Zionist occupation.

Following this, a brief presentation highlighted the impact of boycotting Israeli companies and those supporting the Israeli occupation. According to an Israeli study, a comprehensive economic boycott by the European Union against Israel could lead to losses exceeding $10 billion annually. The presentation stressed the importance of targeting key supporting companies and underscored the responsibility of individuals to participate in the boycott. Tools such as the "No Thanks" app are available to help identify these companies, which would help intensify international pressure and achieve the desired results.

The event also featured the play "Basma's Tent," a remarkable work highlighting the tragedy of childhood amidst the crimes of occupation in the Gaza Strip. It tells a fictional story inspired by real-life events about a girl named Basma living in one of Rafah's camps for displaced people. The play, a beautiful reflection upon our shared pain and aspirations, features Palestinians alongside supporters of various nationalities.

The event also celebrated Palestinian folklore through poetic and artistic performances in Arabic, German, and French. It concluded with a quiz for both children and adults, featuring a variety of questions about Palestine and its diverse dialects. Finally, all the children in attendance received some gifts.

The board of the Palestinian Community Association in Switzerland extends its heartfelt thanks to all the individuals and families who attended and participated, contributing to the event's success. They emphasize the importance of continued collaboration and encourage people to join the association and participate in its seven working committees, which aim to develop various programs to benefit the Palestinian community in Switzerland.