A Long Hot Summer in Palestine
A young girl sings along to her favourite pop songs, a bird darts through an open window and villagers dance under summer skies. In the background the sounds of tear gas being fired remind us that beneath a veil of seeming normality, conflict is never far away in the West Bank.
“A Long Hot Summer in Palestine” will be shown on Thursday 18th July at 6.30pm at the Church of Scotland, Chapel St, Carlisle and is a film that documents the summer of 2014. Film Director Norma Marcos visits her ailing mother, and while Operation Protective Edge rages in Gaza, her camera focuses on the impact the occupation has on daily living away from the headlines.
“We see how life continues despite the difficulties and discover the complications people must deal with in order to get by.” says Nick Robson, a member of Palestine Solidarity Group, Carlisle & District, who will be screening this film later this month. Nick has previously lived in Jerusalem himself, and is familiar with the story portrayed.
“It is a gentle film with a look at culture and trade rather than checkpoints. It gives us a great insight into the complexities of daily life that never make the headlines.” he tells us.
The group will be joined by Ben Soffa, secretary of the national Palestine Solidarity Campaign, who will give a talk and take part in a Q&A session afterwards.
This is the groups third film screening. Building on two successful events, “Open Bethlehem” which looked at the impact of the separation wall, and “Balfour to Banksy” which examined Britain’s role in the Israel-Palestine conflict, this film brings an appreciation of the resilience necessary to continue existing under dire circumstances.
“We are finding that people are extremely interested in learning more about the problems facing Palestinians. Our events have been very popular and the public are welcoming the opportunity to explore the issues in greater depth.” said Fiona Goldie, another member of the group. The campaigners also have a full programme of events this summer. They will be taking part in Carlisle Unity Festival in the City Centre on July 13th, and holding their annual Picnic for Palestine in Bitts Park on 17th August. Members of the public are welcome at both.
In addition, the campaigners have been busy fundraising, sending a parcel of aids for the visually impaired to Ramallah earlier this month. Dismayed by news that a 15 year old boy had been blinded by Israeli security forces’ actions, the group pooled resources and purchased a variety of goods to help him rebuild and maintain his independence.
“We had instructions for the devices translated into Arabic, so his family can help to him use them” says Fiona, who used to work for a charity supporting blind people in Cumbria. Her knowledge of the impacts of sight loss and the adaptations that make all the difference has been invaluable here. “We have sent him small devices which can make a world of difference,” she explains.
“‘Liquid level indicators’ which beep when a cup is full can help him to pour drinks without spilling or scalding himself, ‘talking tin lids’ mean he can record a message which will help him identify contents at a later date, ‘tactile bands’ help him identify different bottles and canisters, and a range of other small products help him to identify household items and his own belongings.. He is a young boy with his whole life ahead of him, and although he will face many challenges ahead, we hope our small gift will help ease some of the difficulties that sudden sight loss brings and enable him to build some confidence.”
Anyone who wishes to support Palestine Solidarity Group Carlisle & District’s campaigns and fundraising can do so at one of their many scheduled events or find them on Facebook. New members and support are always welcome.
