Outrage over Nablus Halloween party sees Palestinian governor shut down cafe

Governor Ghassan Daghlas of Nablus ordered the temporary closure of a newly opened cafe after a Halloween-themed event last week sparked controversy, according to Palestinian and Arab media reports. The Palestinian SWA News Agency reported that the government formed an investigative committee to examine the cafe and ordered its temporary closure to maintain public peace.

Social media photos of party-goers in costumes prompted activists and prominent Palestinian figures to demand consequences for the cafe. In an article published by Dr. Ahmad Rafiq Awad, a respected Palestinian cultural figure, the event was deemed "reprehensible" and a violation of Palestinian social and cultural values. Awad argued that celebrating Halloween, which has no connection to Palestinian history, culture, or traditions, contributed to a growing disconnect between the Palestinian public and the realities of the ongoing conflict.

Although he acknowledged that young Palestinians should not feel perpetual sadness, Awad contended that such celebrations highlighted a widening gap between the public and their true identity. The Nablus Municipality did not comment on the matter.