IT was a heart-warming sight for Palestinians and for those who believe in justice and human rights for all people - the flags of Canada and of Palestine were hoisted at Marion Dewar Park, just outside the Ottawa City Hall, to cheers and clapping It was the third annual Palestinian festival of Ottawa which is designed to highlight the rich culture of the Palestinian people. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sent a message of greetings, praising Palestinian Canadians' contributions to the multicultural mosaic of Canada. Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson and Chief of Police Charles Bordeleau attended the opening and expressed similar sentiments, as did Ontario Attorney-General Yasir Naqvi. Ambassador Nabil Maarouf, chief representative of the Palestinian General Delegation, voiced gratitude to the organizers and to those who attended. Canadian policy toward the Middle East might be puzzling and perhaps contradictory in that it favors a peaceful two-nation settlement but opposes any reasonable action that is designed to end the 49-year-old occupation by Israel of the West Bank and Gaza and building illegal settlements on occupied Palestinian land. But Canada recognizes the contributions being made by Canadians from all over the world, including Palestine, to enrich their new country with their culture and to share their artistic wealth with other Canadians. The Palestinian festival grows every year. It was started in 2014 by Marwan Abdalla, who came to Canada 23 years ago and decided he would become a productive Canadian and remain a worthy son of Palestine. He co-founded the Palestinian Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Ottawa. He also initiated the Canadian Palestinian festival and claims that some 95 percent of the 7,500 Palestinians who live in the national capital support his efforts. He has also built friendly relations with ethnic Canadians, such as the Chinese, Indians, Ukrainians and others. The festival this year involved about 120 volunteers from different ethnic communities. The three-day festival was open to everybody and was free. It presented Palestinian culture, food, dancing and music and dazzled those who witnessed the live shows, bands and singers and the folkloric group dance "dabke" at the "Nablus Theater." The "Bethlehem Tent" featured the traditional family room setting and art exhibits. A henna artist was kept busy drawing lovely patterns on the palms of guests. The tourism kiosk offered tips on traveling to Palestine. Ottawans who have come to like hummus, falafel, lamb and rice, spiced chicken and special pita bread with cheese and thyme enjoyed these foods and the shawarma that were prepared on the spot and were followed by sweets. Guests also purchased Palestinian souvenirs, pictures, jewelry, wood sculptures and other handmade gifts at the "souk." This year's theme was "Explore Palestine in Ottawa." The festival included video games and bouncy castles for the young - or the young at heart. The festival involved a huge amount of work by volunteers and organizers, and financial support by Palestinians and their friends. It reminded the Palestinians in Ottawa, particularly the youth, about their rich heritage. It helped to show Canadians that Palestinians, wherever they might be, love their ancestral country and are a resilient and vibrant people who can face adversity and continue their quest for justice whatever the odds. While the Palestinian festival focused on the arts, Palestinians and their supporters also kept active in other areas. Canadian women participated actively in the Women's Boat to Gaza which was staffed totally by women though supported by men and non-governmental organizations. Designed to protest against the decade-long Israeli blockade of Gaza, it highlighted the Palestinian people's struggle for freedom and dignity. As expected, the Freedom Flotilla was intercepted by Israeli forces and the women were deported. But it did send the message that people the world over support the Palestinian people's quest for freedom. In Ottawa, Palestinians also organized a "Run for Palestine" in order to increase public awareness of the Palestinian people's struggle for freedom and raise money for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency's community mental health program for Palestinian children. Palestinians are being assisted in these efforts by the social media and also by Jewish and Christian groups which support a just peace in the Middle East. The Green Party became the first Canadian political party to vote in favor of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement over the vociferous opposition of the government and mainstream media. However, students, Christian and Jewish groups and some others continue to support the Palestinians' struggle - especially Independent Jewish Voices and Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East. Just recently a church in Ottawa presented a free movie about the occupation of the American mind by the Israeli lobby. Christian and Jewish speakers at the function stated that the mind of mainstream Canadian politicians and the media is also under similar occupation. But some Christian and Jewish groups, along with the social media and others such as students, youth and academics, have broken free and now are working to promote a just peace in the Middle East by sharing with Canadians the realities of the Middle East. — Mohammed Azhar Ali Khan is a retired Canadian journalist, civil servant and refugee judge.
