Thousands Rally for 46th Palestine Cultural Day in Redwood City

URGENT UPDATE: Thousands of attendees flooded the streets of Redwood City, California, to celebrate the 46th annual Palestine Cultural Day on October 14, 2023. This vibrant gathering emphasized support and solidarity with the Palestinian community during a fragile ceasefire.

The festivities showcased traditional Palestinian hospitality, as locals and visitors enjoyed an array of booths featuring tatreez (traditional embroidery), food, music, and cultural displays. “The main thing I want them to experience is what Palestinians are known for: the hospitality,” said local resident Yazan Elayyan, who brought friends to share the rich heritage.

Internationally acclaimed artist Dana Salah headlined the event, captivating the crowd with her popular songs in Arabic, as participants sang along in joyous unison. Attendees dressed in traditional keffiyehs, highlighting their pride and cultural identity.

For many, this year’s celebration held additional significance. “Having said I was Palestinian a year ago felt like a taboo. But now, I say, ‘I’m Palestinian’ and everybody’s like, ‘Yes!'” shared Joulyana Ibrahim, a resident of Milpitas originally from the West Bank. She emphasized that the focus was not on politics or protests but rather on the resilience of the Palestinian people.

The event drew a diverse crowd, showcasing unity across various ethnicities. “You can really see the support with all the different races and ethnicities out here today. It’s mainly support and solidarity with us,” Elayyan noted, reflecting on the growing attendance over the past two years.

Families traveled from afar, with Nasser Tarazi and his family driving from Orange County to partake in the celebration. “It is amazing. It is so beautiful. It reminds you of your background, your hometown. I am from Gaza. It feels really good to be here,” he stated, underscoring the emotional connection to the event amid ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The Tarazi family expressed that attending was crucial this year, highlighting the urgent need to raise awareness about the humanitarian crisis back home. “It is spreading awareness for what is going on back home in Palestine. Again, it is genocide. Thousands and thousands of people have been killed,” remarked Sammer Tarazi. He emphasized the importance of community: “Community is the most important thing. We are all here for one cause. We support a free Palestine.”

As the event concluded, attendees left with a renewed sense of hope and a commitment to advocate for lasting peace and a fully sovereign Palestinian state. The palpable energy and solidarity displayed at Palestine Cultural Day serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by Palestinian communities worldwide.

Expect more updates as the situation continues to evolve and the community remains engaged in the fight for recognition and support.