Dr Khader Abu Hayyeh speaking at a PSC event in Hastings in 2014.

Invite to remembrance of Al Nakba in Hastings Mosque

In an event jointly organised with Hastings and Rye Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Hastings’ Mosque in Mercatoria invites all members of the community to join them this Sunday, 16 June, to commemorate Al Nakba, when Palestinians were expelled or fled their homes. Kate Colley, chair of HRPSC, explains.

‘Remembering Al Nakba’ is a commemoration of the Palestinian Nakba (meaning ‘catastrophe’ in Arabic) which took place in 1948.

Then over 700,000 Palestinians were expelled or forced to flee their homes and villages.

Despite the Right of Return being enshrined in international law, they and their descendants have been prevented from returning home, so today over five million Palestinians live as refugees.

Dr Khader Aby Hayyeh.

Eye-witness

A talk will be given by Dr Khader Abu Hayyeh, who was just a little boy when his family were forced out of their village of Lydda. He still has vivid recollections of that traumatic event.

His talk will be followed by a short film and some delicious Palestinian food.

“This is a great opportunity to learn about the Nakba from someone who was actually there and to taste a little authentic Palestinian cuisine,” said Gill Knight of the HRPSC. “It is also a chance to spend some time in our local Mosque and get to know the Muslim members of our community.

“We were struck by the hundreds of locals who turned out at the Mosque vigil for the victims of the New Zealand massacre in April. It was very heartening to see our how many people came to show their support.

“Hastings is a very diverse town but one thing we share is an openness and friendliness towards each other. This is a chance to get together and strengthen those bonds.”

Mosque spokesman Dr Imad Bourghli said: “It’s our great pleasure to host this special event, focusing on the lost people of Palestine, and we hope many people, of all faiths and none, will come along to hear Dr Khader and to share a meal.”

Remembering Al Nakba Hastings Mosque, 12 Mercatoria, St Leonards-on-Sea TN38 0EB, Sunday 16 June, 2-5pm. The event is free and open to all. For more information email info@hastingspalestinecampaign.org.

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