PARTICIPANTS' REACTIONS

“Thank you for these events, which allow us to talk to all people about what is inside us.” Nour (Gaza)

“The poignant stories that were read out in 2 languages, the broader framework that was outlined, Nour's personal story, the recognition and a certain closeness between the participants, all this together made it a very valuable gathering for me. I became more aware of the tragedy of the Palestinian people.” Marina

“I think your problems become less severe when they are shared by many people. Carmen has taught me a lot. How much she knows about these issues. For me, that's also what makes this meeting so interesting. You get to know new, nice people again.” Mia

“It had been a very long time for me to feel such a sense of togetherness and shared solidarity combined with listening in a female empowerment atmosphere. It was cozy and I felt right at home.” Chantal (Aruba)

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“Organising more safe spaces like this in the future seems very nice, the horror is unfortunately not over yet, people are still going to need moments like the 29th of November. I found the meeting and taking time together to listen to each other and the Palestinian voices incredibly comforting.” Carmen Claessen (Antwerp for Palestine)

“It was very emotional and painful when Nour told about the noise of the planes and about her family remaining there....I would like to see peace all over the world.” Latifa

“I thought it was an enjoyable lecture because we got a better picture of the situation in the Middle East. We were able to ask questions and show our sympathy to the people who were involved in one way or another.” Souria

“The stories touched me. I found the serendipitous conversations enlightening. The spontaneous warmth at dinner together...special.” Nicole

“A warm-hearted and “no nonsense” gathering with a delicious soup afterwards! Reading the texts aloud in Arabic as well as in Dutch was a great idea: language as a connection and reason to further express oneself about what one experiences directly or indirectly. The added value was that a Belgian [Carmen, from Antwerp for Palestine] could also speak Arabic for additional explanation.” Patricia

“We were really touched by the authentic monologues.(...)Of course we feel all the sadness but we were also touched by the connection and solidarity we felt.” Tinneke and Ward

“What struck me is how resilient these people were, so strong but also so vulnerable. I really had to restrain myself from being emotional. The realisation that you are here, but on the other hand family and so many who don't have the chance to flee. (...)
Reading the texts, I had resolved to read something too, but I was completely blocked. Taking in the words and translating that into reality was intense for me. (...)
It was hard to go home and let it go. You are also left with so many questions that you don't dare ask right away because you think is it relevant or not. Like do they have it good here, is there anything we can do? Are there any families left? Also the images we see every day or don't want to see. (...) It brings so much powerlessness. How much can a person stand.” Malika Zerkouni (Speakxout)

What was it like for you to attend the evening vigil and read one of the Gaza monologues?
“I thought it was special because that way I knew how it feels when there is war (but also sad).”

How was it vom hearing all those stories?
“Very exciting, and especially how it will end with the war.”

What were you thinking there?
“I was thinking what it would be like if there was a war here (which hopefully won't happen).”

What do you remember?
“I still sometimes think about what that grandfather was talking about when he was young.”

Pien (aged 9)

“Because the people reading are singing a language I don't understand.,
Because it was children, or elderly people or someone I know well,
ladies from around the corner or with a past far away,
all with their hearts in the middle of the universe
and yet so cozy together
That's why I wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else
In no safe silence
Thank you very much for that.” Diede