In a moving demonstration of cultural solidarity, Reykjavík's literary community came together for a special edition of Reykjavík Poetics dedicated to Palestinian poetry and music. The event, aptly titled "A Tribute to Palestine," created a space where art transcended borders and poetry became a bridge between cultures.
The evening unfolded with multilingual readings in Arabic, English, and Icelandic, with English translations projected on the wall. I suppose this polyphony demonstrates the ways the human experience transcends cultural differences and language barriers. Under the thoughtful curation of Juan Camilo and Mazen Maarouf, the program brought together respected Icelandic literary voices, including Svanlaug Jóhannsdóttir, Kristín Eiriksdóttir, and Aðalsteinn Ásberg Sigurðsson, Anton Helgi Jónsson and Einar Steinn Valgarðsson. Thabit Lakh and Mazen Maarouf played their ouds, while Ríma Naser sang beautiful traditional songs from the Middle East.
This fusion of artistic expressions served as a powerful reminder of Palestine's rich cultural heritage and its ongoing contribution to global arts, as well as the tragedy of its current cultural destruction.
It was a great honour to me to support this event as a co-producer with the wonderful Francesca Cricelli. Working behind the scenes let me see the genuine anguish that goes into coordinating such an event, but also the warmth and good will.
Supported by the Reykjavík UNESCO City of Literature office, the event embodied the city's commitment to fostering international literary connections and supporting cultural diversity.
At its heart, this tribute was more than a poetry reading – it was a declaration of cultural preservation and solidarity. As the organizers beautifully expressed, it was an gathering "in the spirit of love and friendship" to ensure that Palestinian voices continue to be heard and celebrated. The event stood as a testament to literature's power to preserve and celebrate endangered cultures, reminding us that poetry can be both a sanctuary and a bridge, connecting hearts across continents and conflicts.
Edit: The following day I learned that the Icelandic government intends to deport Ríma Naser, who sang so beautifully and passionately at yesterday's event. Ríma was nominated to receive Outstanding Young Icelander this year for her volunteer work. The reason for her deportation is not clear, and she has received considerable community support to remain in Iceland, where she has made her home. More here.
