Library Talk: new book about life in Palestine

Author Rich Wiles will visit Hebden Bridge Library on Wednesday 17 March at 6.30pm to promote his new book about life in Palestine.

Hull-born Rich Wiles is a photographer and journalist who has lived for several years in Aida Refugee Camp, Bethlehem. Rich, whose photography has been showcased at Dean Clough, has now written his own book about life in Palestine. Entitled “Behind the Wall: Life, Love and Struggle in Palestine” the book brings together a collection of Rich’s articles about the everyday experiences of Palestinian refugees.

He works there helping young people of the camp to develop their skills as writers and photographers. His support has enabled the youngsters to produce illustrated books of their own, telling their stories as refugees. Alongside the articles are a number of intimate black and white photographic portraits taken by Rich Wiles.

The acclaimed journalists, John Pilger and Jonathan Cook, praise the book describing it as a collection of “richly varied and very human stories” which capture “a courage and endurance no oppressor can kill.”

For more details about the event, contact Hebden Bridge Library on 01422 288040 or email Anna Turner.

Rich Wiles is also working to help young Dabke dancers from Bethlehem’s Aida Refugee Camp to come to Calderdale in July. Dabke is a traditional Palestinian dance, which is an energetic team dance for males and females. The Palestinian youngsters will visit local schools to teach traditional Dabke dance as part of the Discover Palestine Festival to be held in the Piece Hall on July 10. To find out more contact Annie O’Gara or Paul Wimpeney on 01484 450945.

For information about the Discover Palestine Festival, see blog