Palestine Will Be Free: The Story of Hanzala

In 1969, the Palestinian cartoonist Naji al-Ali began drawing a barefoot ten-year-old boy standing with his back to the viewer, hands clasped behind him. He called the child Hanzala, and said he would not grow up until Palestine was free. Al-Ali was assassinated in London in 1987. Hanzala is still ten.

The Brooklyn Nomads present Palestine Will Be Free: The Story of Hanzala — a concert built around 100 of al-Ali's drawings, animated and projected above a nine-piece ensemble playing twelve songs of childhood, freedom, and return that span 1948 to now. Woven through the music: archival footage of figures who shaped the struggle for liberation, and poetry from guest artist Mosab Abou Toha.

What happens in the room on October 18 will be hard to describe and easy to recognize. People who learned these songs from their grandparents will sit beside people hearing them for the first time. By the end, everyone will be singing.

This is a night rooted in Palestinian story, art, and resistance — a tribute to Naji al-Ali, and to the generations of artists who keep telling the truth through their work.

Sunday, October 18 · Doors 6pm. Show 7:00–8:30 PM
Roulette, 509 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn
Tickets $35–$175

A portion of proceeds supports Anera, Gaza Soup Kitchen, and The People's Forum.

Questions: [email protected]