The Struggle of Arab Artists in Israel Amidst Conflict
Comedian Ayman Nahas, the artistic director at the Arabic-language Sard theater in Haifa, Israel, has been keeping a low profile since October 7th. He, like many other Arab artists in Israel and annexed East Jerusalem, is facing increasing hostility and harassment amidst the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. The fear of reprisals as an Arab artist in Israel has led many to question their place and safety in the country.
Nahas expressed concerns about the funding for his theater, which heavily relies on government subsidies like many other cultural spaces in Israel. The fear of funding cuts, as seen in the case of Al-Midan theater in Haifa in 2015, has left many artists uncertain about their future in the industry. Some have even resorted to putting their artistic pursuits on hold and seeking opportunities abroad, like Elias who found a role in Berlin after struggling to find work in Israel.
The nonprofit group Mossawa has documented an increase in human rights violations against Israel’s Arab minority since October, including arrests, discrimination at work, harassment at schools, and curbs on the right to protest. Singer Dalal Abu Amneh faced detention and harassment for a social media post following an attack by Hamas on October 7th. The growing complaints of discrimination by the Jewish majority against the Arab minority have only intensified during the nine months of war between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza.
Huda Imam, who promotes Palestinian cultural sites in Jerusalem, noted a cultural silence that has taken hold since October 7th. The fear and respect for the war’s victims have hindered many artists from producing new work. Despite the challenges, exiled artists like rapper Saint Levant and singer Nai Barghouti continue to give a voice to Palestine on the global stage.
The struggle for Palestinian artists to express themselves through their cultural heritage, such as traditional dances like dabkeh, remains a form of resistance amidst the conflict. However, some artists question the relevance of their work in the face of the harsh realities of war. Amer Khalil, the director of east Jerusalem’s Al-Hakawati, also known as the Palestinian National Theater, highlighted the challenges faced by the theater in its four-decade history of being closed over 200 times.
The uncertainty and fear among Arab artists in Israel and East Jerusalem highlight the ongoing struggle for cultural expression amidst conflict. The need to navigate funding cuts, harassment, and censorship adds another layer of complexity to an already challenging environment for artists. Despite these challenges, many continue to find ways to amplify their voices and preserve their cultural heritage in the face of adversity.