21 February 2023 – Sally Azzam Cook

Cultural resistance in Palestine

Life in the Occupied Territories

Sally will talk about life in her home town of Nazareth, and the challenges of life as a Palestinian in Israel and the Occupied Territories. She will talk about the struggle to establish a cultural café in Nazareth, promoting Palestinian culture and helping to rejuvenate the old city. Sally will explore cultural resistance as a non-violent way of raising awareness of issues facing Arabs, Christians, and Jews in Israel today.

Sally Azzam Cook

Sally Azzam Cook is Palestinian and an Israeli citizen. In her home town of Nazareth, Sally is a founder of Liwan, a cultural cafe at the centre of the historic market area of the largest Arab city in Israel. Liwan is now a driving force in the revival of the souk in the centre of Nazareth, and the promotion of Palestinian identity in the Occupied Territories.

Sally writes:

As a Palestinian woman, I have always belonged to too many marginalised groups; a woman, a Palestinian, a Christian in a Jewish state. I have often felt that I am standing alone, always aware that our leaders could not be relied on to care for us. Instead, we have to do it. With the Amos Trust, I work to amplify the voice of Palestinian women, making sure the Palestinian national struggle does not suffocate the Palestinian women’s struggle.

Also with Sally for the Engaging Issues evening will be Katie Hagley, Head of Community Engagement for the Amos Trust. The Amos Trust works with international and local peace activists in greass-roots projects, supporting peace, reconciliation, and full equal rights for all.