It is exactly what I envision the future of Palestine to be, which is taking our tradition and our history and our past, but not going back to it or being stuck in it. It’s taking it and creating something absolutely new and visionary. It’s Palestinian futurism. —Dr. Noura Erakat

Join us for the Phoenix of Gaza VR Exhibit + Symposium, connecting everyday acts of resistance with longer term world-building and freedom dreaming. The exhibit was first conceived by Naim Aburaddi, who is from Gaza and whose family has survived the genocide. Naim was not able to travel to Gaza for six years and so partnering with Dr. Ahlam Muhtaseb and the team of the x-Real Lab of California State University San Bernardino, this project transports Gaza with its multiplicity beyond the blockade and into the world through immersive technologies. The team was able to amplify important voices from Gaza including many artists whose work is included in the exhibit. In this way, the project continues as a cultural archive and historical preservation, which would not be possible without the creativity, resilience, and sacrifice of the project’s former photographer/ videographer, who lost his father in the latest genocide, and the current photographer/videographer, who is risking his life to capture the aftermath in northern Gaza. As part of the longer-term struggle for Palestinian liberation, this project invites us to bear witness to a liberated Gaza in virtual spaces.

Thursday December 5, Doors open at 4pm. 

 Program 4:30 - 7:30pm

• Intro by Ahlam Muhtaseb + Naim Aburaddi
• Poetic Address by Mosab Abu Toha
• Keynote by Noura Erakat
• Roundtable with Naim Aburaddi, Heba Gowayed, Mahdi Sabbagh, and Sireen Sawalha
• Dinner + Book-signing from 7:30 - 8:30pm

Friday December 6, Doors open at 4pm. 

Program 4:30 - 7:30pm

• Intro by Ahlam Muhtaseb + Naim Aburaddi
• Poetic Address by Mosab Abu Toha
• Keynote by Sohail Dahdal
• Roundtable with Ahlam Muhtaseb, Laleh Khalili, Maya Mikdashi, and Areej Hamouda
• Dinner + Book-signing from 7:30 - 8:30pm

Symposium registrants will receive instructions for signing up to visit the VR exhibit, which includes hundreds of videos and images using a 360-degree camera which takes footage of daily activities in Gaza. The vast majority of the locations captured are historical places in the Gaza Strip before they were destroyed. This includes images and videos of historical monuments, cultural sites, public squares, universities, schools, cafes, streets, agricultural areas, parks, beaches, markets, and amusement places. This is in addition to capturing Palestinian culture through weddings, stitching workshops, dabke, palm harvesting, clay and pottery making, and other hand-made professions. For more info visit www.gazaxr.com. 

Statement on Trauma Reactions:

The VR exhibit highlights themes of rebuilding and resilience, but it may evoke trauma reactions, particularly grief and loss, in those with a personal connection to the spaces shown. Some reactions may be delayed, with emotional impacts lingering for days afterward. We encourage individuals to access on-campus and off-campus resources for support as needed. 

Support Services Description:

Dr. Shirin Zarqa-Lederman, founder of The Diaspora Psychologist, is an international psychologist specializing in trauma-informed individual and community care for marginalized communities. Dr. Zarqa-Lederman will offer one-on-one support from 12-2pm and lead a group processing circle from 3-4pm to help individuals process their experiences with the exhibit.

Co-sponsored by Department of African American Studies, Center for Digital Humanities, Ida B. Wells JUST Data Lab, Palestinian Studies Colloquium, Program in Media & Modernity, Princeton Humanities Council, Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies, Students for Justice in Palestine, Liechtenstein Institute on Self-Determination, and University Center for Human Values.

We endeavor to provide reasonable accommodations for attendees with special needs. If you require an accommodation or service to participate, please contact Ruha Benjamin at [email protected] at least 7 business days prior to the event.

*Art by Imad Abu Shtayyah + Delali Agawu

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• What is Virtual Reality? A virtual reality headset includes a display screen, stereo sound, and sensors to deliver an interactive audiovisual experience that immerses you in 360-degree projected content. For “Future Presence,” the Mahler Chamber Orchestra pre-recorded musical selections using virtual reality technology. A virtual reality headset will enable you to move freely amid the musicians and notice how your location influences nuances in the music. Whether in front of the violin, next to the flute or underneath the cello—there are almost no limits to the interactive sound experience as you immerse yourself within one of the world’s greatest chamber orchestras.
• Are there any restrictions for using Virtual Reality glasses? VR glasses are not recommended for children under the age of 10, pregnant women, or individuals who are susceptible to epilepsy and seizures. The VR headset can emit radio waves that may affect the operation of nearby electronics, including cardiac pacemakers. If you have a pacemaker or other implanted medical device, please consult with your doctor before registering for this event.
• Can I experience from a wheelchair or with a mobility-assistive device? Yes, absolutely! This experience is fully accessible for users of wheelchairs and other assistive devices.
• I am worried about my balance while wearing a virtual reality headset. What precautions are in place to make sure that I don’t fall? You’re not alone—a lot of virtual reality headset users are concerned about this question, and most all of them find it not to be a problem once they put on the headset. However, rest assured that staff members will be posted at the venue at all times and will be available to provide a steadying hand as needed.
• How should I dress? We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and flat-soled shoes for the most unrestricted experience.