5 June 2025
(Heba Zakout, a Gazan artist who, along with her son, was killed by an Israeli airstrike on 14 October 2023).
The ECPS hosted a powerful workshop on Palestinian Cultural Resistance -Heba Zaqout Cultural Resistance Prize, named in memory of Heba Zaqout, a Gazan artist killed alongside her son in an Israeli airstrike on 14 October 2023.
The workshop was organised by ECPS PhD student Naema Aldaqsha, whose remarkable efforts ensured every detail was thoughtfully arranged, all while balancing her academic commitments with caring for her newborn, Ilia. The event opened with a moving introduction by ECPS co-director Dr. Nadia Naser-Najjab, setting the tone for a day of reflection, resistance, and scholarly engagement.
Rami Rmelih chaired the workshop with care and clarity, presenting a compelling framework for understanding Palestinian cultural resistance. Our keynote speaker, Iman Hammouri, joined us from Palestine and delivered a powerful reflection on Gaza’s cultural resistance amid ongoing genocide.
Students from ECPS presented outstanding papers exploring diverse dimensions of cultural resistance:
Abdullah Al-Anjari: The Orient House-examining its symbolic role in Palestinian political and cultural history
Aya Hasegawa: Palestine Solidarity in Japan, offering insights into transnational activism and awareness
Imran Ahmed: Creativity in Solidarity, exploring the role of art and imagination in movement-building
Basel Khalaily: Palestinian Resistance in Israeli Football, analysing sport as a site of resistance and national identity
Following audience voting, Basel Khalaily and Aya Hasegawa were awarded the Heba Zaqout Prize for their outstanding contributions and critical engagement with the theme.
