The occupation continues to prevent cultural activities in Jerusalem... Dabke and a women's bazaar are banned
The occupation authorities persist in their policy of targeting and blocking social and cultural events in Jerusalem, always using the same excuse: “that they are organized or sponsored by the Palestinian Authority.”
Raid on the National Theater – Al-Hakawati
The occupation authorities prevented a musical and “Dabke” performance entitled “Dreams Under the Olive Tree,” organized by the Jerusalem Youth Heritage Forum.
On Sunday evening, occupation forces, accompanied by intelligence agents, raided the venue at the Palestinian National Theater – Al-Hakawati, while the troupe was rehearsing before the performance and families and children were beginning to arrive.
They forced the audience and the troupe to evacuate the theater and posted a closure order on its main door.
Ban on a Bazaar to support women's projects
The occupation authorities also prevented the Jerusalem Bazaar, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday at the Monastery of Father Abraham in the Ras al-Amoud neighborhood, from taking place. The bazaar was to feature approximately 100 women-owned businesses and was organized by the Women's Center in Al-Thori, Silwan.
The ban and the justification
The ban was issued by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, stating:
"There is an intention to hold a conference sponsored by the Palestinian Authority without written authorization," referring to the so-called "Law for the Implementation of the Interim Agreement on the West Bank and Gaza Strip/Regulation of Activities/1994."
Previous bans this year
During 2025, the occupation authorities issued several bans – all signed by Ben-Gvir – on Palestinian events and activities in Jerusalem, most notably:
• April: Banning a meeting at the headquarters of the General Federation of Palestinian Trade Unions and arresting its secretary.
• July: Banning the Palestinian Bar Association elections and summoning participants for questioning.
• August: Banning the Medical Association elections and arresting the head of the supervising committee.
• October: Banning the 60th anniversary celebration of the Silwan Sports Club in the town of Silwan and arresting the club's president.
• October: Banning the Union Charitable Society from holding a meeting of cultural and sports clubs and associations at its headquarters and arresting the head and director of the charitable societies.
• November: A music and Dabke performance was banned at the National Theater, and summonses were issued to the organizers.
• November: The Jerusalem Bazaar scheduled in Ras al-Amoud-Silwan was banned.
