The Mossawa Center Hosts a Special Evening for the Eighth Anniversary of the Passing of Writer and Activist Salman Natour.

In a night filled with memories, the Mossawa Center hosted a profound and impactful discussion in memory of the late writer and activist Salman Natour and his literary legacy through a review of his book "Walking on the Wind". In cooperation with the "Maktoob" series, the evening served as a bridge between cultures and generations, celebrating the spirit of Salman Natour, who was not only a writer and a literary figure but also a symbol of struggle, hope, and understanding between the two peoples.

The evening was moderated by the social and cultural activist Nourit Hajaj, who referred to Natour's cultural impact and the deep values he inscribed in his book that influenced her.

Jafar Farah, the director of the Mossawa Center, opened the evening with words of loyalty and appreciation for a person he worked with and learned a lot from, emphasizing the role Natour played in enlightening generations and leaving a legacy worthy of celebration and dissemination. He stressed the importance of commemorating the memory of Salman Natour and his legacy, as well as the legacy of his fellow Palestinian writers and poets in Al-Ittihad newspaper who contributed to preserving the Palestinian identity within and maintaining the Arabic language, promoting the liberatory thought of both peoples.

The interventions were diverse and rich in ideas and emotions; Professor Shenhab Shahrbani, the editor-in-chief of the Maktoob series, spoke about the profound impact Natour had on Arab-Jewish partnership initiatives in translating Palestinian literature.

Meanwhile, Dr. Rabia Basheer focused on the national and humanitarian values embodied by Natour in his writings and life as an intellectual and political activist, emphasizing their importance in our current reality filled with challenges.

Professor Yoni Mendel, the translator and deputy editor of Maktoob, spoke about the book and narrated his personal experience working with Natour, depicting him as a leader and a creative writer who influenced everyone who knew him. Subsequently, Mrs. Nada Natour (Umm Iyas) reading excerpts from the book added an emotional touch to the evening, expressing the authenticity and depth in Natour's words.

Dr. Rawiya Borbara detailed the rich dimensions in Salman Natour's writings and the role of his writings in preserving collective memory, highlighting how he explored themes rich in meaning, including identity and heritage, the importance of homeland, and daily lived experiences amidst life's folds. She illustrated how Natour masterfully employed language and narrative to provide a deep insight into human experiences, mixed with nostalgia, contemplation, and the challenges faced by individuals within the context of history, culture, and politics. Through addressing these topics, Natour not only presented stories to be told but also enriched thought and spirit, enhancing awareness of issues that touch the essence of humanity and reflect the Palestinian people's experience in a lively and authentic style.

Ghalib Saif, the head of the Arab Druze Initiative Committee, highlighted the significant role Salman Natour played in defending Arabs in Israel, affirming his prominent and strong representation of the Druze community, which faced significant challenges. Natour, as part of the Arab Druze Initiative Committee, worked to counter attempts by the authorities to separate the Druze community from their people. Saif described Natour as a humble and people-oriented figure, who, despite his fame and significant contributions, interacted with everyone with simplicity and kindness, making him a teacher and a guide to all who had the honor of knowing him.

With these inspiring words, Jafar Farah concluded an unforgettable evening, calling on everyone to draw determination and inspiration from Salman Natour and his rich legacy in their pursuit of a society characterized by equality, peace, and mutual understanding. He emphasized the urgent need to enhance a culture of constructive dialogue and mutual respect for freedom of opinion, stressing the importance of establishing strong alliances between different groups suffering from discrimination and racism, based on solid foundations of justice and peace, especially in these difficult times. He considered this activity a clear voice against the war on the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.

This gathering, held in honor of Salman Natour's memory, was not just a tribute but also a sincere call for every individual to uphold the torch of hope, positive change, and the principles of peace and equality that Natour sought to instill through his literature and life. Inspired by "Walking on the Wind", Natour's impactful novel, we learned lessons in struggle, resilience, and the beauty of coexistence, declaring our resolve to continue on the path of justice and peace that he outlined for us with his words and actions.