Bringing Palestinian history and culture to London

The largest Palestine event in Europe went ahead this weekend despite a smear campaign and attempts by pro-Israel groups to have it cancelled. Organised by the UK non-profit organisation Friends of Al-Aqsa, Palestine Expo spanned two days and was held over five floors in the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in Westminster, overlooking the Houses of Parliament, on 8-9 July.

With a host of renowned speakers including academics and activists, a souq and a number of interactive zones showcasing various art exhibitions and cultural programmes, the event attracted more than 15,000 visitors. One stall was a mock UN tent, standing as a reminder of the plight of Palestinian refugees.

The timing of the event comes as Palestinians mark 100 years since the Balfour Declaration, 50 years since the occupation of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, and 10 years since the siege on Gaza.

“It is the combination of these tragic episodes for the Palestinians that we are marking. This is the time to unite and be a part of the movement to end their suffering,” a statement on the event’s website reads.

Until last week, it was unclear whether the event would go ahead as the UK Government considered complaints by pro-Israel groups. Officials eventually gave the organisers the green light following threats of legal action.

A handful of Israeli demonstrators gathered at the entrance to the event, flaunting an Israeli flag and arguing with ticket holders.

Haters gonna hate at the #PalestineExpo (all alone tho 😜)… pic.twitter.com/Wjk0DjNAJO

— Middle East Monitor (@MiddleEastMnt) July 8, 2017

Ticket holders visit the shopping and / stall area of the Palestine Expo. [Image: Jehan Al-Farra / Middle East Monitor]

Ticket holders are taught how to do dabke, a traditional Palestinian dance in one of the workshops held throughout the day at the Palestine Expo. [Image: Jehan Al-Farra / Middle East Monitor]

A group singing performance as part of the evening entertainement at the Palestine Expo. [Image: Jehan Al-Farra / Middle East Monitor]

[Image: Jehan Al-Farra / Middle East Monitor]

A group singing performance as part of the evening entertainement at the Palestine Expo. [Image: Jehan Al-Farra / Middle East Monitor]

People sign a Palestinian flag by the Friends of Al-Aqsa in solidarity with the plight of Palestinians. [FOA] [Image: Jehan Al-Farra / Middle East Monitor]

The Palestine Expo – Europe’s biggest cultural Palestine event. [Image: Jehan Al-Farra / Middle East Monitor]

Up to 10,000 people brought tickets to attend the Palestine Expo. [Image: Jehan Al-Farra / Middle East Monitor]