Al-Istiqlal School for Folk Art organized the graduation ceremony of the first group for the Popular Art Education (Dabkeh), in the presence of HE Maj. Gen. Tawfiq Al-Tirawi, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University, Dr. Atef Abu-Saif, the Palestinian Minister of Culture, Dr. May- Al Kilani, the Palestinian Minister of Health, Mr. Habib Ben Farah, the Tunisian Ambassador in Palestine, Mr. Maher Taha, the Venezuelan Ambassador in Palestine, Dr. Motwakel Taha, the Director-General of Al-Istiqlal Department for Culture and Publishing, Dr. Dawas Dawas, the Secretary-General of the Palestinian National Committee for Education, Culture and Science, and the families of the graduates, at the Municipality of Ramallah, on Friday 11th of October 2019.
HE Maj. Gen. Al-Tirawi Welcomed the attendees, pointing out the role of art and folklore in the consecration of the Palestinian Cultural Identity, and this kind of art was adopted by President Mahmoud Abbas, as was the Martyr Yasser Arafat. Also, he stressed the importance of the high value of the cultural and popular heritage, wishing success to the graduates and the continuation of maintaining this heritage to the whole world.
For his part, Dr. Abu Saif praised the efforts of Al-Istiqlal University and its folklore group, explaining the role of Art in the resistance and the preservation of cultural heritage, mentioning that the conflict with the occupation is about art and culture.
Moreover, Mr. Mohammed Kendah, the Head of the Band, explained the aim of this artistic institution, which educates the Palestinian folklore and the cultural heritage, to preserve it from loss and robbery.
Finally, Al-Istiqlal School for Folk Art graduated (70) students in its first group, ranging in age from 5 to 16 years old, where the ceremony included an artistic performance on the popular Palestinian national songs, amid the interaction of the official and popular attendees, and as every time Al-Istiqlal group embodies the Palestinian National Wedding.