Bab al-Amoud: One of Jerusalem’s Gates During the Judaization Festival of Lights – Archive

Report – Shehab

In a scene that repeats every year, the Old City of occupied Jerusalem transforms into a vast stage for artistic performances, musical and cinematic festivals, and light shows. Yet beneath this dazzling display lies a narrative of occupation forcibly imposed on the identity, Arabism, and Islamic character of the holy city.

While Palestinian cultural activities are completely banned and their institutions closed, the Israeli occupation authorities organize dozens of festivals marketed as artistic and tourist events. However, at their core, these events serve dangerous political and colonial settlement objectives.

Ali Ibrahim, a researcher specializing in Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque affairs, revealed a serious escalation in the Israeli authorities’ use of cultural and artistic festivals as a soft tool to Judaize occupied Jerusalem and falsify its history and archaeological landmarks. This occurs amidst ongoing repression and total prohibition of Palestinian activities in the city.

Ibrahim explained that through these festivals, the occupation seeks to change the cultural landscape of occupied Jerusalem and erase its Islamic and Arab identity by holding artistic and musical events, and even wine parties, in sacred and historic sites. Some of these locations are just meters away from Al-Aqsa Mosque, including the Sultan’s Pool, the area around the Western Wall (Buraq Wall), the Wadi al-Rababa neighborhood in Silwan town, and the Ma’man Allah cemetery.