Palestinian Writers Union Tackles Societal Violence
Translated & summarized from Panet by baba
Mustafa Abd al-Fattah, Secretary-General of the General Union of Palestinian Writers - Karmel 48, spoke at a conference in Acre against societal violence. He argued that violence is not an inherent fate for the Arab community, citing its rich history and cultural heritage. Abd al-Fattah called on writers to combat the idea of violence and promote dialogue over armed conflict. He also criticized societal changes that he believes contribute to the problem, urging a focus on identity and collective building.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Palestinian writers' union leader Mustafa Abd al-Fattah addressed violence in Arab society at an Acre conference.
- He argued violence is not an inescapable fate, emphasizing the community's deep historical and cultural roots.
- Abd al-Fattah called for writers to "confiscate the idea" of violence before police confiscate weapons.
- He criticized alleged complicity by authorities, which he believes distracts from preserving identity and history.
- The union leader advocated for dialogue and promoting national identity over armed conflict.
- He lamented societal shifts, including educational decline and a focus on material wealth over human development.
Mustafa Abd al-Fattah, Secretary-General of the General Union of Palestinian Writers - Karmel 48, participated in the "First Conference on Combating Violence in Arab Society" held in Acre. The conference was organized by the "Live with Dignity Without Violence" association, headed by union member Dr. Habib Nasser. Abd al-Fattah argued that violence is not an inescapable fate for the Arab community, emphasizing its deep historical and cultural roots. He contrasted the current violence with the rich heritage of cities like Acre and the legacy of writers such as Ghassan Kanafani and Mahmoud Darwish, whose words on identity and belonging he invoked. Abd al-Fattah asserted that the community is a victim of a "despicable conspiracy" and a "hidden war" aimed at fragmenting it. He called for writers to preemptively address the idea of violence in young minds before police confiscate weapons, suggesting that writers can "confiscate the idea" of violence. He criticized authorities for alleged complicity in violence, which he believes distracts from core issues of identity, history, and language preservation. Abd al-Fattah stressed the need for writers to delegitimize violence and transform the power of weapons into the power of intellect and thought. He lamented societal shifts, including the decline of educational and social programs, the impact of women working outside the home, a focus on material wealth over human development, and the erosion of principles and values. He urged writers and media professionals to transform victim statistics into tangible stories, ensuring that each death is remembered as a personal tragedy that devastates families and communities. Abd al-Fattah advocated for dialogue and the promotion of national and civilizational identity among youth, contrasting the destructive nature of weapons with the security offered by a strong identity. He appealed to young people to abandon violence and collectively build a future rooted in their shared history and culture.