Day 13: Service at Sakiya

On Day 13 of Go Palestine, our campers embarked on an enriching and eye-opening journey. Starting the day at Sakiya, founded by Nida Sinnokrot and architect Sahar Qawasmi as a beacon against the encroaching consumerist culture, we got our hands dirty. At this intersection of art, science, and agriculture, campers aided in building sanasel and contributing to other projects around the property. Sakiya stands as a testament to the possibility of integrating age-old agricultural practices with contemporary arts and sciences, challenging the prevailing urban-rural divide that pervades Palestine's cultural institutions. Post-Sakiya, our group headed to the A.M. Qattan Foundation and immersed ourselves in their exhibition, "Architectural Fabrication of Israel: Shedding Light on Colonial Reality and Its Impact on Palestine." The exhibit unraveled the layers of architectural, cultural, and political narratives that formed the State on the remains of Palestinian towns and villages. With a spotlight on modernist architecture's role in shaping a State devoid of its underlying cultural heritage and landscape, the display painted a picture of how architectural modernity became a tool for colonial aspirations in Palestine. Through the works of 45 Palestinian artists, academics, and writers, we were presented with interpretations that spotlight the stories of those who faced obliteration amidst the rise of a state lauded for its European-esque qualities. Ending our enlightening day, we relished some delectable Knafeh and took free time to marvel at the architectural grandeur of the AM Qattan Foundation building.