The Importance of Music During Times of Unrest in Palestine

By: Amna Faheem

For over a month now, Israel has been bombing and attacking Gaza and Palestinian residents, mercilessly hitting hospitals and schools, and cutting off fuel, water, food, and electricity. The death toll has surpassed 10,000 lives— a majority of them children.

The humanitarian crisis of the Israeli occupation has been ongoing for more than 75 years, but has increased significantly since Oct. 7. Palestinians have been cut off from the world, facing limited access to resources.

Independent reporters like Plestia Alaqad and Motaz Azaiza have been covering the atrocities, showcasing the horrors that have become part of their everyday lives.

People around the world have taken to the streets, protesting against this genocide and denouncing their government's complacency. On Nov. 4, tens of thousands of Americans took to the streets in Washington D.C. in objection to the atrocities being committed against the Palestinians. Buses from cities like Philadelphia, New York, and Miami transported citizens to attend the rally.

Surprisingly, one of the most valuable ways to show support and give strength is through music. Arab artists Isaam Alnajjar and Marwan Pablo recently released the song “Rajieen,” which means “Returning” in Arabic. The eight-minute song includes 25 Middle East and North African (MENA) artists, including Marwan Moussa, an Egyptian singer and producer, Afroto, Said Safari, Amir Eid, Dina Sabah, and many others.

*Photo by Isaam Alnajjar and Marwan Pablo.*

The song blends rap, Arabic beats, and slow, soulful lyrics. The emotional melody is apparent and brings hope and empowerment to its listeners. Lyrics like, “We Are the World… The Arab Dream,” are especially influential, and express solidarity with those in Gaza suffering under occupation.

The music video, shot in Amman’s Olive Wood film studio, is moving, with the singers donning the Keffiyeh, a traditional Palestinian scarf. The anthem calls out the crimes of Israel, asking “What crime did the murdered child commit? / Who dreamt of only a modest future? / And what of the child who survived, only to lose their family?” Such powerful words convey the heartbreaking reality of Palestine, and yet express the strength and commitment to the homeland. The song is available via Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.

Other artists have also taken to the studio. The Choir Project, an Egyptian group established and managed by director and visual artist Salam Yousry, released “We Are Awakened by You Palestine,” on Oct. 29 via Instagram. Opening with traditional Arab instruments like the Oud (an Arab short-neck lute), and tabla (traditional drums), the lyrics are packed with emotion.

Sung from the point of view of those in Gaza and those looking in, the choir chants: “One eye they thrashed. The other, they left behind / It pierces my heart where Gaza resides / But this time the blood unmasked the silence of years gone by,” with prominent voices and a strong chorus.

Where the media failed, music comes to share the reality of what is happening and to spread awareness to those who don’t know. The song was produced at a workshop at the Rawabet Theatre in Cairo on Oct. 23, and was a collective of many artists coming together to share a joint statement on the violence that is happening. You can watch the video of the choir group here.

Egyptian rapper El-Ganainy also released a new song on YouTube titled, “Land of Canaan (Canaan).” The rap song is fast-paced, with strong lyrics challenging the narrative and history of the land of Palestine. El-Ganainy’s response to the Gaza war was very blunt and outspoken, exclaiming the land belongs to those who have been there for hundreds of years; he very outwardly condemned the occupation and stated who the land really belongs to.

“Speaking from Egypt, the mother of the world, daughter of the Nile / So you already know who I am. You are against humanity, fear God! / There’s a difference between resistance and terrorism, just like there’s a difference between Zionism and Judaism,” chants the rapper, mentioning a controversial topic in recent weeks.

El-Ganainy’s song is admittedly more straightforward lyrically, but the message is the same nonetheless: Palestine is home to those in Gaza, and they will be free; what is happening is against the word of God, and is unjust.

The anthem of the Free Palestine movement is a song not recently released, but one of great significance and importance. “Ana Dammi Falastini (My Blood is Palestine)” by Mohammed Assaf was released in 2015, and quickly became one of the biggest hits for Assaf, gaining more than 40 million views on YouTube.

The song is dedicated to the resistance of the occupation and portrays Assaf’s yearning to return to, and love for, his homeland. His lyrics are ones of affection and desire for freedom, and the instruments are that of traditional Palestinian and Arab music. His ties to the homeland make the upbeat track all the more emotional — you can tell his heart is buried with the olive trees in Palestine: “Keeping my oath, following my religion / You will find me on my land. I belong to my people, I sacrifice my soul for them / My blood is Palestinian.”

The song was removed from music streaming services in May of 2023 with no explicit reasoning, causing an outcry on social media from disappointed listeners. Assaf himself was surprised. Eventually, the song returned and has been trending increasingly over the past month as people on social media dance and show their solidarity with the victims of the occupation.

The importance of music is apparent now more than ever. Music fosters hope. It creates community and solidarity. Lyrics have the power to unite people for the Free Palestine movement and to evoke emotions.

These artists are using their voices for those who cannot, and telling the world we will not back down; we will be free. Activism and fighting back against oppression can take place in many forms. Using music as a creative outlet is strong and inspiring, it tells the people in Gaza that we are with you. We are fighting for you, singing for you; we will not forget you.

Free Palestine.

Editor’s Note: On Nov. 24, 2023, a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect. Hostilities resumed on Dec. 1.