Arab culture in Haifa: the request for support for the Sard Theater was approved

(haipo) - The Haifa City Council approved at the council meeting last Tuesday, 5/11/24, the request for support for the Sard Theater which is a cultural institution that works a lot to make artistic content accessible and to create social, educational and community activities for the Arab society.

At the same time, the decision also raises question marks, since the theater does not have a business license, as of the date of the decision.

Strengthening the sense of belonging

The decision to approve the support emphasizes the importance the municipality attaches to the local artistic culture, and to supporting cultural institutions that serve the local Arab community and strengthen the sense of belonging and connection in Arab society.

The Sard Theater, which operates in the Arabic language, is a significant cultural center that includes theater performances for children, youth and adults, acting, writing and learning workshops, music evenings and other community events. The municipal support joins the grant the theater received from the Ministry of Culture for renovation in the amount of 2.5 million shekels and an additional 1.3 million shekels for other activities. However, in order to ensure continued support for 2024, the theater must regularize its business license.

The proposal to support the theater passed with a majority of votes, except for three opposition members who opposed. City Council member Tatiana John, one of the opponents of the proposal, expressed her position and said: "We cannot allow the coalition to waste funds for improper purposes."

The mayor of Haifa, Yona Yahav, emphasized the importance of cultural inclusion in a mixed city, and noted in response to Tatina John's words:
"This is a mixed city and we are happy that there will be cultural institutions here for everyone involved in this population. I am sorry that you came to this city and you are not aware that it is a mixed city. A mixed city is something that enlivens both the municipality and the citizens to pay respect to those who are not in the cultural majority in this city."

A base for social gatherings

The theater creates a community space and contributes not only as an artistic center but also as a basis for social and educational meetings that strengthen the sense of belonging, encourage coexistence and strengthen the cultural identity of the Arab community.

With the financial support transferred, the Sard Theater plans to expand its activities, increase the number of shows and workshops and initiate additional projects intended for all age groups in the community.

Hadash chairman of the city council, Raja Zaatara, told Lahi Pa:

"It should be self-evident that in a city like Haifa, the municipality supports cultural institutions of all residents from all communities, including the Arab community. The council's vote is important because it thwarted the campaign of incitement and lies by a person whom the Supreme Court found unreliable. It's a shame that some of the council members repeatedly fall into the trash without checking the facts and even without reading the professional material, including the opinion of the legal counsel that stated that the Sred Theater meets the criteria and requirements of the law.

But when it comes to Arab theater, there are those who think they should interfere with the artistic content and subordinate it to their political agenda. I thank Mayor Yona Yahav and Deputy Mayor Sofi Nakash for taking a firm and ethical stand against populism and preventing harm to Arab cultural organizations that serve thousands of residents."