Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Palestinian Embassy launches “Here is Palestine” events at French Institute in Cairo
The Palestinian Embassy in Egypt and the French Institute in Cairo on Friday opened the third edition of “Here is Palestine,” a cultural programme aimed at highlighting contemporary Palestinian culture and showcasing the diversity of Palestinian artistic expression.
The event was inaugurated by Najy Al‑Najy, cultural counsellor at the Palestinian Embassy, and French Ambassador to Egypt Éric Chevallier. Al‑Najy praised what he described as France’s political, diplomatic and cultural support for the Palestinian people, saying that backing the justice of the Palestinian cause had become “a moral standard” by which the international community is judged.
He called on the international community to assume its responsibilities toward the Palestinian people and to press for their legitimate rights, including the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. He also welcomed ongoing cooperation between the Palestinian and French embassies and the French Institute in promoting Palestinian cultural output.
Al‑Najy emphasised the role of culture, thought and media throughout the history of the Palestinian struggle, saying they were essential in preserving Palestinian identity and countering what he described as misleading narratives circulated in the West.
Ambassador Chevallier reaffirmed France’s support for Palestinian rights and thanked the teams of the French Institute and the Palestinian Embassy for their collaboration. He said the “Here is Palestine” initiative aims to provide cultural spaces where Palestinian artists, writers and intellectuals can express their national identity and preserve collective memory, sending a message of solidarity and hope for peace.
The opening featured a photography exhibition by Randa Shaath documenting Palestinian towns and villages between 1994 and 2002, followed by a panel discussion with French writer Agnès Levallois and journalist Samuel Forey on political and cultural dimensions of the Palestinian question.
Speakers stressed the need for accurate reporting amid widespread misinformation, praising Palestinian journalists for creating alternative media despite what they described as attempts by Israeli authorities to restrict coverage, particularly in Gaza.
They noted that the voices and suffering of Palestinians had reached global audiences, contributing to greater international public support and challenging attempts to impose a single narrative or dehumanise Palestinians.
Attendees included senior cultural officials from the French Institute in Cairo, members of the Palestinian Embassy’s cultural affairs department, and a large audience of writers and cultural figures.
The programme will run for three days at the French Institute. It includes Shaath’s exhibition “We Love Life Whenever We Can Find a Way to It,” literary encounters, a talk by former prisoner and writer Nasser Abu Srour, musical and artistic performances, dabke workshops, and a bazaar featuring Palestinian handicrafts and food. Events will conclude on Saturday with panel discussions and a screening of the film “Once Upon a Time in Gaza.”