The 13th International Palestine Book Fair began today, Thursday, at the National Library grounds in Ramallah under the slogan "From Nakba to State... We Remain," with the participation of hundreds of publishers from both inside and outside. The fair was inaugurated by Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh, Minister of Culture Atef Abu Sayegh, President of the Arab Publishers Union Mohamed Rashad, along with several local officials and Arab diplomats.
In his opening speech, Shtayyeh expressed his happiness at witnessing the distinguished Arab attendance in Palestine, mentioning that 390 publishing houses from Arab countries are participating, showcasing 61,000 titles. He added, "Just as this fair brings Arabs together with Palestine, it also brings Palestine together with Palestinians. I was delighted to see my brothers from Gaza, Palestinian expatriates, Palestinians from 1948, Jerusalem, and all Palestinian territories."
He continued, "Some books are tainted, not here, the tainted books are on the other side that seeks to distort the narrative about Palestine. But what we see in this fair is the reinforcement of the Palestinian and Arab narrative about Palestine." The fair's program, which runs until September 17, includes intellectual seminars, poetry evenings, and discussions with the participation of 95 writers, authors, and poets from outside Palestinian territories, alongside Palestinian creators.
The seminar hall is named after the late poet, critic, and translator Salma Al-Khadra Al-Jiousi (1926-2023), who contributed to enriching the Arabic library through her various writings. The book signing area is named after poet Zakaria Muhammad, who passed away last month at the age of 73. The program also includes musical, theatrical, and cinematic performances held at the front courtyards of the fair at the end of each day, as well as interactive activities for children.
