Israeli Occupation Forces Ransack Cultural Center
18/04/2002
13 April 2002
Palestine Media Center - PMC
http://www.palestine-pmc.com
During the morning hours, Israeli occupation forces raided one of Palestine' s most important cultural center, the Khalil Sakakini Cultural Center (KSCC). After detonating explosives to storm through the the Center, Israeli occupation forces are now searching the building and ransacking its valuable archives, documents, and art collection. At least six large explosions have been heard from the Center's direction.
Also in the building is an office for the renowned Palestinian poet, Mahmoud Darwish, who uses the KSCC room as his personal office.
Among the Center's declared goal are; "Enriching local cultural life: Through the nurturing of new talents, and the development of artists' creative skills". Raiding such a center raises many questions as to the Israeli army's mission, which is declared as an operation "to root out terror".
Situated in the heart of Ramallah, the KSCC was renowned for its important work in the visual arts, literature, and other cultural events. The Center's own building is one of historical importance, having been built in 1927 as a family home for Khalil Salem Salah, who became Ramallah's Mayor in 1947. The Center housed some of Palestine's most important artifacts and historical documents.
In the past few days, Israeli occupation forces have raided, destroyed and looted a number of official and private Palestinian buildings. Most notably, Israeli occupation forces raided and looted the Ministry of Culture, which had an invaluable library and art gallery, with artifacts of great historical importance. The invading forces had also demolished the second floor in the Ramallah Municipality building, which housed the archives for property registers and other documents of vital importance.
For more information on the Center and its historical importance, please visit:
