Leicestershire Holy Land Appeal

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Ghirass Children's Cultural Centre

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Together with the Bath based Bethlehem Link Charity we have developed ties with Ghirass (Saplings) Cultural Centre in Bethlehem (Formally called the Bethlehem Children's Cultural Centre).

Their Dabke (Traditional Palestinian) Dance Troupe called Hakaya, first visited Leicester in 2005.

     
Hakaya in Leicester 2005

In the summer of 2005 Hakaya  their 'Dabka' - traditional Palestinian dance  singing and dance troop toured Britain. They spent a few days in Leicester. They danced and run dance workshops at English Martyrs (R.C.) High School, and at the Hope Hamilton (C of E) Primary school and in Highfields Community Centre. They also participated in the annual Leicester 'Fly freedom' Kite and hot air balloon picnic for Palestine.

There was a second visit by a younger group last summer from 29th June to 6th July 2007.  They performed in St. Paul's and English Martyrs R.C. Secondary schools and in Al Aqsa and Mrdway Primary Schools, and also at a concert for children from four Primary Schools. They also performed at an evening concert for the general public. 

Hakaya in Leicester 2007

     
Dabke Ghirass Children's Cultural Centre April 2007                   Evening performance in Leicester July 2007                         

 

        
 Concert for Primary Schools Part One                        Concert for Primary Schools Part Two

 

The Lord Mayor of Leicester, councillor Gary Hunt, said to a reporter from the Leicester Mercury  "I was hugely impressed and moved, particularly by their final song - a plea from the children of Bethlehem to be allowed to grow up in peace, love and prosperity."

He said: "I think Leicester has an awful lot to offer places around the world, with our desire to live and work together.

"It would be an honour to spread a little of our achievements as a city to the people of Bethlehem."

Power Point show Bethlehem Children's Wishes. This show was produced using children's art  from  Ghirass (Then called Bethlehem Children's Cultural Centre). Most of the images are from a 2003 Calendar. They therefore reflect Children's experiences of 2000-2002 when Bethlehem was shelled, invaded and then kept under prolonged curfews by the Israeli occupiers.  Life in Bethlehem today is not this violent. It is a very safe and friendly town to visit. 

The Power Point presentation  poignantly expresses children's desire for peace, security and normality in regions of conflict.