Palestinian singer Mohammed Assaf concluded a two-year public silence in a deeply moving performance at the sixth evening of the 59th Carthage International Festival, dedicated to his hometown and the people of Gaza. The concert, titled “Pour Gaza”, took place under the auspices of Culture Minister Amina Srarfi, and welcomed injured Palestinians brought to Tunisia for medical care.
Immediately after opening with “Ya Denia Aley Ech’hadi”, Assaf expressed gratitude to Tunisia and its people, announcing that all concert proceeds would be donated to support Gaza, a place he described as constantly on his mind and in his heart.
The performance featured a powerful mix of patriotic and evocative songs including “Ana Dami Filastini”, “Bilad Al Arab”, “Salamon Li Gaza”, “Erfa Rasak”, “Balad El Ezz Ya Gaza” and “Ya Banat Bladna”, each delivered with raw emotion and resolve.
The theatre resounded with unity as the audience waved Palestinian flags and joined vocally in chorus with Assaf—transforming the performance into a collective expression of solidarity between Tunisian and Palestinian communities.
Attendees—and Assaf himself—described the evening not merely as entertainment, but as a humanitarian act, turning grief into communal expression through song. The harmony between artist and audience underscored the power of art to amplify the voices of Gaza and further the message of global compassion.
Assaf recently stated that he had suspended his artistic career over the past two years due to the tragic events in Gaza, losing numerous family members and friends in the conflict. Returning to the stage at Carthage, he made clear his purpose: using music to speak for his people and advance awareness of their plight.
His performance at Carthage encapsulated the festival’s broader message this year—blending artistic excellence with cultural solidarity and reaffirming Tunisia’s enduring support for the Palestinian cause.
TunisianMonitorOnline (Douha Saafi)
