Arts & Culture
What is resistance art (or “intifada art”)?
Palestinian artists often use painting, filmmaking, embroidery, music, dance, and even recycled war debris to create powerful works, from murals on rubble to jewelry made from tear gas canisters.
The canvas of resistance charts the path to liberation, turning pain into power, creating light from darkness.
What does the Arabic word Nakba mean, and what does it refer to in Palestinian history?
"Catastrophe"; it refers to the 1948 forced expulsion of over 750,000 Palestinians during the illegal creation of Israel.
What is the name of the strip of land along the Mediterranean Sea that is under siege?
Gaza Strip
What does “resistance” mean for Palestinians, both historically and today?
Resistance for Palestinians means the struggle for freedom, dignity, & survival under occupation, siege, and displacement. It takes many forms. Simply existing & breathing as a Palestinian is a form of Resistance!
This ultra-Orthodox Jewish group is known for publicly opposing Zionism, supporting Palestinian return, and attending pro-Palestine rallies.
Neturei Karta
What is tatreez and what does it represent in Palestinian culture?
Traditional embroidery that tells stories of heritage, village identity, and resistance. Dabke began in Palestine & surrounding countries. It started as a way for villagers to stamp mud roofs and evolved into a powerful dance of unity, pride, and resistance.
What percentage of Gaza’s population are refugees or descendants of refugees from 1948?
Around 70–80%
What is the name of Gaza’s main border crossing with Egypt?
Rafah Crossing
This Holocaust survivor and trauma expert called Gaza the world's largest open-air prison, said: “I was a Jewish child in the Budapest ghetto. I know what dehumanization looks like.” and has always been outspoken against Israeli policies.
Dr. Gabor Maté
What is the name of the oldest mosque in Gaza?
The Great Omari Mosque
What are the colors and patterns of the Palestinian keffiyeh, and what do they symbolize?
Colors: Black & white, symbolize resistance & Palestinian identity.
Pattern:
Fishnet: Connection between Palestinian sailors & the Mediterranean Sea.
Bold lines: Trade routes & freedom of movement Olive leaves: Connection to the land, Strength, resilience, perseverance.
How long has the Israeli blockade on Gaza been in place?
Since 2007 (over 17 years)
The majority of Gazans are refugees originally from which Palestinian cities? (Name 2)
Majdal (Al-Majdal Asqalan)
Jaffa (Yafa)
Bir al-Saba'
Isdud
Al-Faluja
How many hours of electricity per day, on average, did Gazans receive from the Zionist occupation before the 2023-2024 full-scale aggressions?
2–6 hours per day
In Gaza, what ancient Christian church, dating back to the 5th century, was used as a shelter during the ongoing Holocaust and later bombed?
Saint Porphyrius Church
Name 3 Palestinian dishes?
Maqlouba - Musakhan -Maftoul - Mujadara - Kufta - Mulukhiyi - Falafel - Hummus
Gaza-Specific Dishes: Sayadiyya - Sumaghiyyeh - Dagga Gazawiyya
How long have people lived in Gaza, and how old is its civilization?
Gaza’s history dates back over 4,000 years.
It has been continuously inhabited since the Bronze Age, making it one of the oldest cities in the world.
What is the capital city of Palestine?
Jerusalem (Al-Quds)
This former Israeli pilot left the occupied Palestine entirely, saying he couldn't live under a regime committing apartheid against Palestinians. He now advocates globally for BDS and Palestinian liberation.
Yonatan Shapira
What ancient Christian monastery is located near Gaza and known for its desert asceticism?
Deir al-Balah (Monastery of the Date Palm) – Once an important Christian site during the Byzantine period.
Where did the Dabke dance originate, and what does it represent?
Dabke began in Palestine & surrounding areas. It started as a traditional folk dance among villagers. The jumps in dabke dance started long ago in ancient Canaanite rituals. These rituals were about helping the crops to grow, scaring away the bad spirits, and keeping the plants safe.
It is an important part of the cultural heritage where people come together to show and celebrate their Identity & history. It fosters unity, strengthens community bonds, and allows people to take pride in their shared traditions & collective joy.
What are Gazans known for — both historically and today — and what were they historically called?
Historically: Known as merchants, traders, builders, and warriors. Called Philistines, later Canaanites, and later simply Gazans or Palestinians. Today: Known for their resilience, creativity under siege, cultural strength, and role in resistance against occupation.
How big is the Gaza Strip?
The Gaza Strip has a total land area of about 360 square kilometres. About 41 kilometers (25 miles) along the Mediterranean Sea. Gaza is less than half the size of Surrey, or about the size of Abbotsford.
Who was Hind Rajab, and why did her story capture international attention?
A 6-year-old girl trapped in a car in Gaza who called emergency services before being killed; her call went viral.
What is the significance of the tomb located in Gaza believed by some to be that of the Prophet Muhammad’s great-grandfather?
The Tomb of Hashim – Hashim ibn Abd Manaf, said to have died in Gaza during a trading trip; Gaza is sometimes referred to as Ghazat Hashim in his honor.