An exhibition and panel discussion at Qatar National Library are shedding light on the devastating impact of the Israeli occupation on Palestinians and their day-to-day lives. The exhibition, based on Ghassan Kanafani’s novella, Men in the Sun, explores the themes of nationhood, education, loss of land, solidarity, and the Palestinian diaspora. The exhibition, running until December 31 at Qatar National Library, delves into how the occupation affects the characters in the book and the lives of Palestinians today.
In collaboration with Georgetown University in Qatar, a panel discussion was held to offer valuable perspectives on the exhibition’s themes. The discussion focused on the historical and socio-political contexts that shaped Kanafani’s narrative, including displacement struggles, apartheid’s legacy, and the broader implications of his work in contemporary discussions of justice and identity. The diverse group of scholars and professors from GU-Q brought their unique perspectives on the intersection of apartheid and diaspora as reflected in Kanafani’s writings.
The Executive Director of QNL, Tan Huism, emphasized the importance of hosting such exhibitions at libraries, which are the custodians of stories shaping our understanding of the world. By providing programs like this one, the public has the chance to engage more deeply with these stories and understand their relevance in today’s world. The power of literature in helping us grasp the present was highlighted by Professor M. Reza Pirbhai, Faculty Chair and Associate Professor of History at GU-Q, who stated that engaging with works like Men in the Sun allows for a deeper understanding of the broader human condition and its connections.
Omar Khalifa, Associate Professor of Arabic Literature and Culture at GU-Q, aimed to contextualize Kanafani’s novel within the scope of his literary career, exploring the development and transformation of his works. The panel discussion, part of Qatar Reads’ One Book One Doha campaign, underlined the significance of Arabic literature in shaping contemporary thoughts. By encouraging the community to revisit and rediscover the classics of Arabic literature, Qatar Reads is showcasing the rich cultural and intellectual heritage of the Arabic-speaking world, demonstrating how one book can reflect and influence societal issues. The discussion aimed to enhance understanding and appreciation of Arabic literature’s capacity to reflect and shape contemporary thoughts.
The exhibition and panel discussion at Qatar National Library are part of the Qatar Reads program in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Northwestern University in Qatar. The event aims to raise awareness of the struggles faced by Palestinians due to the Israeli occupation and the broader implications for their lives. Through engaging with the themes in Kanafani’s Men in the Sun, the community can gain a deeper understanding of the political issues at play and their impact on the human condition. By bringing together scholars and professors to offer their perspectives, the event highlights the importance of literature in shaping our understanding of the world and its relevance in contemporary discussions of justice and identity.
