ening of Training and Exchange Festival (Italy-Gaza)

The OpGaza, 28th of December, 2014 --- Press House – Palestine, the Italian Cultural Center, and a group of non-governmental organizations announced the opening of training and exchange festival between Italy and Gaza, during a press conference held at Al-Mathaf Hotel in Gaza city that gathered tens of trainers, Italians in solidarity with Palestine, Palestinian figures, and representatives for a number of Palestinian NGOs.

The six-day festival will include various training activities in fields of media, sport, Parkour, culture, art & graffiti, and entertainment. The festival opening came after the arrival of more than twenty trainers in various fields, mainly photo and video photography.

For his turn, Mr. Belal Jadallah, the head of Press House, in his word on behalf of partner organizations ensured the major role the educational Italian organizations play to support the Palestinian cause.

Jadallah appreciated the Italian delegation solidarity with the Palestinian people and providing support and required training for different Palestinian groups, especially media.

Jadallah thanked the Italian Cultural Center, and the Palestinian ministry of culture the sponsor of the festival. He thanked partner organizations as well who contributed to actualizing this event.

The partners are: Press House – Palestine, Al-Aqsa University, Gaza Parkour, Palestinian Organization for Development, Sport Academy for Free Arts, Scout Gaza, Farah & Marah Institution, and Ibn Khaldoun Institution.

Mr. Belal pointed out that this project is a part of a wider project of cultural exchange that will be held annually for training and exchange knowledge between youth in the Mediterranean countries.

He also ensured that the festival will contribute to providing youth and students with the opportunity to exchange cultures and gain new knowledge and experience; clarifying that the project will give the opportunity to over 70 photographers to gain practical training for five days by professional Italian trainers.

For her turn, Ms. Merry said: “closed borders and siege imposed on Gaza hinders the way in front of many Italians to come to Gaza to work with Palestinian citizens.”

Merry praised the Palestinian-Italian cooperation and the strong relations between the two countries.