The staring eyes say to people that we see them and they should see us too...we want to say that we are here — we love our land and our home.
- Jawad Siyam, Director of Madaa-Silwan Creative Center
"I Witness Silwan" is a community-based, internationally-supported project of nonviolent resistance, based in Silwan, East Jerusalem. It's all about murals--"the staring eyes" of artists, philosphers, agents of change and martyrs for justice. In a neighborhood ravaged by occupation, demolition orders, homes seized by aggressive intruders, each mural insists on the right of Palestinians to lands and homes long loved; and each urges the world beyond these streets to take notice, step up, offer support.
What kind of art are we moved to make now...to bring light to the hidden places and resolve to those plead for solidarity and strength?
This morning's tour introduction to this project, and tour of some of the vantage points, is a reminder of the power of resistance, the gift of nonviolence, and the urgency of community practice. See this link to learn more: I WITNESS SILWAN.
By noted Palestinian artist Sliman Mansour, capturing the moment the man is healed and able to see in John 9. A joint project of Sabeel and I Witness Silwan. Connecting the Gospel story with the gift and responsibility of sight in a time of urgency, brokenness and transformation.
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| Bottom/Center: Eyes of Malcolm X |
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| Center/Right: Eyes of George Floyd |
