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A special Palestinian fundraiser event in aid of children in Gaza takes place in Rostrevor on Saturday, 2 May, with distinguished journalist and author Ahmed Alnaouq as the headline speaker. All proceeds from the event, which runs from 3pm to 7pm at An Cuan, Shore Road, Rostrevor, go to the Amos Trust charity for their work in Gaza.
The Amos Trust is a creative human rights organisation committed to challenging injustice, building hope and creating positive change. The fundraiser comes as the population in Gaza continues to experience a humanitarian disaster, facing devastating loss and overwhelming need.
Ahmed Alnaouq grew up in Gaza, where he earned a bachelor's degree in English Literature from Al-Azhar University, before completing a master's degree in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. He is the co-founder and director of We Are Not Numbers, a project that amplifies the voices and stories of young Palestinians in Gaza, and hosts the Palestine Deep Dive podcast, where he discusses politics, media and Palestinian narratives. His book, We Are Not Numbers: The Voices of Gaza Youth, became an instant bestseller in both the Irish Times and the Sunday Times with an updated paperback edition just published.
Alongside Ahmed, the line-up of speakers includes Dua Ahmed, a school teacher from Gaza who previously worked for UNRWA and is currently studying at Limerick University, having recently been granted refugee status in Ireland. Dr Asad Abushark, Palestinian academic, writer, poet, human rights advocate and international spokesperson for the Great March of Return, will also speak, as will Patrick Corrigan, head of nations and regions for Amnesty International UK and Northern Ireland programme director.
The event will be opened by Aziz Abushark, an award-winning kanoon player from Gaza. Musical performances will follow from Aoife Scott with Andy Meaney, Cathryn Craig and Brian Willoughby, Gráinne Holland, Ben Sands, Luke Graham and Matthew McGrath. Harpist Brona McVittie will perform her song 10,000 Tiny Fingers, about children suffering in the conflict, accompanied on guitar by Dr Bruce Victor. Poetry will be provided by Irish actor Maggie Shevlin, and singers from Rostrevor Children's Choir will also appear.
Mustafa Alsaidi and his Belfast Dabke dancers will perform on the night, bringing Palestinian dance culture to the Rostrevor stage. Dabke dance symbolises defiance, joy and endurance, particularly in the refugee camps.
The event is organised by William Graham and Seth Linder. Tickets are priced at £20 and are available online via Ticket Tailor on Facebook, or in person from Good Craic gift shop, Rostrevor, and Crawfords Bar, Rostrevor Inn.
