South Africans Drum for Palestine at Human Rights Day Festival
The Human Rights Festival at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg reverberated with the powerful rhythm of drums during the “One Thousand Drums for Palestine” event, as reported by Ihsaan Haffejee for GroundUp.
Organized by Bobby Rodwell, the event aimed to foster unity among people through music while showing solidarity with Palestine and raising awareness about the situation in Gaza. Participants enthusiastically waved Palestinian flags and chanted “Free Palestine,” using music and communal spirit to express their support.
A highlight of the event was a young child from Gaza reciting a poem, captivating the audience with their heartfelt words. Following the drumming session, author Zukiswa Wanner led a panel discussion, shedding light on Germany’s involvement in the ongoing conflict and advocating for a cultural boycott of Israel until Palestinian human rights are upheld.
The panel discussion led by author Zukiswa Wanner provided a platform to discuss Germany’s role in the conflict and emphasized the importance of advocating for Palestinian human rights. The call for a cultural boycott of Israel until meaningful changes are made resonated strongly with the audience, sparking conversations about the impact of collective action in addressing injustice.
Throughout the event, the spirit of solidarity and activism was palpable, with attendees coming together to amplify the voices of the Palestinian people and demand justice for Gaza. The drumming, chants, and discussions served as powerful reminders of the ongoing struggle for freedom and equality in Palestine.
By leveraging the universal language of music and the platform of the Human Rights Festival, participants at “One Thousand Drums for Palestine” demonstrated the power of community action in standing up against oppression and advocating for human rights around the world.
