Sheffield Christmas: Music, Poetry, and Hope for Gaza
On 5 December 2024, Sheffield hosted its annual Christmas Appeal for Gaza, uniting the community for an evening of stories, music, and solidarity. The event highlighted the ongoing struggles of the Palestinian people while celebrating their resilience and spirit through traditional food, poetry, and moving performances.
The evening featured delicious Palestinian cuisine, songs for a free Palestine, heartfelt poetry, and poignant stories from Gaza. A mesmerising violin performance by Bassel Hariri stood out as one of the most emotional moments of the night.
Sharing Stories of Gaza
One of the key speakers, Gazan Ahmed Alnaouq shared deeply moving personal experiences of living under violence and oppression.
“This genocide is the worst crime in history,” Alnaouq said. “Babies, children, men, and women are bombed and killed day and night. People in Gaza have been starving for over 15 months. Many have died from hunger, including children.”
Alnaouq described the situation in Gaza as a humanitarian crisis that transcends conflict:
“This is not just a war. It is a test of humanity—a war between good and evil. The Palestinian people stand for strength and humanity, while Israeli forces show cruelty and destruction. Gaza is being torn apart, but its people are determined to survive.”
Alnaouq’s words underscored the event’s purpose: amplifying the voices of Gaza. He also introduced We Are Not Numbers, a book sharing stories from Gaza’s survivors and the families of victims, including his younger brother, who was killed in the attacks.
Music, Poetry, and Strength
The night balanced sorrow with hope, featuring poetry by Palestinians that conveyed resilience, loss, and aspirations for a better future.
Songs of freedom and justice resonated throughout the venue, with Bassel Hariri’s violin performance leaving many in tears.
Another speaker, Hala Hanaina, shared the story of Heba, a poet from Gaza who inspired her with her words and determination:
“Heba always told me to keep writing. She was deeply connected to her community and its struggles. Her dream for 32 years was to see the world, but she was killed in October at the start of the genocide. Her story reveals the truth behind Israel’s claims of safe zones in Gaza—they are lies.”
Hanaina also reflected on the spirit of Gaza’s people:
“Gaza wasn’t heaven, but we tried to make it liveable, especially for the children. After every aggression, my siblings and I organised musical concerts to bring joy to those in pain. Music, dance, and laughter became acts of defiance.”
A Call for Action
The evening concluded with a heartfelt plea for solidarity and action. Alongside raising awareness, the event encouraged donations to provide vital aid for Gaza.
Organisers emphasised: “Even the smallest contribution can make a difference. Your donations will directly support those suffering in Gaza. Please give what you can.”
Attendees were also urged to share Gaza’s stories and support We Are Not Numbers, preserving the voices of those lost and those still enduring.
Keeping Gaza’s Story Alive
The Christmas Appeal for Gaza in Sheffield brought the community together to honour the resilience of Gaza’s people and remind the world of their humanity. Through music, poetry, and stories, the event offered hope and a renewed commitment to justice.
As one attendee summarised: “Gaza’s fight for justice is a fight for humanity. It’s our responsibility to respond with compassion, action, and generosity.”
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