This symposium series addresses the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through artistic and activist interventions, promoting dialogue and understanding within the diverse and sometimes divided Viennese society — and beyond.
In the wake of deepening divisions, dehumanisation, and violence — especially since the Hamas massacre on October 7th and the following genocide in Gaza — the events will explore possible paths to accountability and reconciliation by engaging experts, artists, and representatives from human rights and civil society organizations across the region and Europe.
The first event in the series, Dialogue and Partnership, taking place from June 14 to 15, will examine how to build meaningful conversation and cooperation under conditions of structural inequality, occupation, segregation, and power imbalances:
10:00 Opening Assembly
We begin with a moment of silence for the victims of the ongoing war, followed by an introduction to the symposium’s theme: dialogue and partnership. As the first in a series of four events, this assembly sets the stage for conversations on how art and activism can drive accountability, reconciliation, and a shared future beyond division. Key speakers: Dr. Thabet Abu Rass and Dr. Dov Khenin.
Registration: Opening Assembly
11:00 Building Solidarity Across Asymmetry: Addressing Genocide, Occupation, and Structural Injustice
This panel brings together voices from Palestine, Israel, and Europe to explore both the possibilities and the limits of dialogue across deep political and social divides. Framed by the ongoing genocide and war crimes in Gaza, and shaped by decades of occupation, systemic inequality, and segregation, the discussion will focus on the urgent need to move beyond rhetoric and toward meaningful, collective action. Panelists — including experts from human rights organizations and artists engaged in political resistance — will draw on their areas of expertise and lived experience to share strategies for addressing the power structures that shape the Israeli-Palestinian context. They will explore how solidarity can emerge in the face of violence, inequality, and occupation, and discuss ways Palestinians and Israelis can build partnerships despite deep divides, while also addressing the challenges and potential of cultivating dialogue across conflict and separation.
Panelists: Arab Aramin, Robi Damelin, Dr. Thabet Abu Rass, Dr. Dov Khenin
Registration: Building Solidarity Across Asymmetry
15:00 Artivism: Methods, Tensions, and Practice
This workshop invites artists, activists, and cultural workers from diverse contexts to share experiences and strategies of creative resistance in the face of war, repression, and systemic injustice. Rooted in the struggle for justice in Palestine, Israel and beyond, we will explore the role of culture in challenging power, building solidarity, and imagining structural change. Together, we’ll reflect on the ethical and political stakes of cultural work in times of crisis—and consider how we can act with clarity, responsibility, and collective purpose.
19:00 The Gaza Mono-Logues – Reading by Oula Khatib
ASHTAR Theatre is a dynamic Palestinian theatre company based in Ramallah. Combining professional theatre productions with community-focused programs, ASHTAR uses art to promote creativity, social change, and dialogue. The theatre brings performances to marginalized communities, ensuring accessibility for all.The Gaza Mono-Logues is a project started by ASHTAR Theatre in 2010, featuring monologues written and performed by young people from Gaza. These monologues express their struggles, dreams, and calls for change amidst the ongoing hardships. With performances in over 80 cities worldwide, the project continues to raise awareness about the realities faced by Gaza’s youth. The upcoming event will include new testimonies from Gaza, offering an honest reflection of the daily challenges and trauma young people endure in the midst of war.
Oula Khatib is a writer and theatre director with a background in psychology and dramatic arts. She has extensive experience in writing, directing, and performing across various artistic mediums.In Damascus, she created impactful works such as Hijab Story, a documentary on women’s experiences with the veil, and Syrian Flat, a play exploring interfaith marriage challenges. She also collaborated with the UN on The Lovers, a children’s play.Since relocating to Vienna, she has directed Refugee in Wonderland and its pilot adaptation, acted in the film Earth Shine, and participated in public readings. Her recent work includes contributing to a book and directing a theatrical performance in Berlin.
Registration: The Gaza Mono-Logues – Reading by Oula Khatib
