Malaysian creative community urged to keep Palestinian stories alive

Malaysia's creative community is urged to maintain the presence of Palestinian stories by utilizing their platforms for discussions, collaborating with local artists, and providing opportunities for Palestinian voices to be heard. Dr. Nida Younis, a Palestinian academician and poet, emphasizes the importance of hosting Palestinians in universities, schools, and other venues, while encouraging Malaysian creatives to continue producing works centered around Palestine through poetry, novels, and other artistic mediums.

These works tend to endure beyond media reports, political positions, and other elements that may be forgotten over time. Dr. Younis also highlights the significance of cultural institutions and heritage sites in Gaza in preserving Palestinians' connection to their history, memory, and identity. She notes that the destruction of cultural monuments, churches, museums, archives, and libraries by Israel is erasing not only the past of Palestinians but also their future as a civilization.

Malaysian singer Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin, through her foundation, Yayasan Nurjiwa, has contributed to humanitarian and educational efforts in Gaza, including the reconstruction of the Afwa Al-Aafiyah School, which was established prior to the 2021 war to offer educational opportunities and a brighter future for children in Gaza.