Last Fall, while Brian Feldman was studying abroad in Chile, he came up with a new way to show support for Palestine.
As the UF political science, international studies and Spanish senior marched in solidarity for Palestine and listened to musicians playing, he thought of bringing a concert for Palestine to Gainesville.
Tonight at 7:30 p.m., his idea is coming to life. The Jam will host UF Students for Justice in Palestine’s event "Jam for Palestine," a night filled with live music, spoken-word poetry, breakdancing and more to celebrate Palestinian culture and educate the community on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
"I’m hoping to bring to a bigger audience the issue of Palestine and the struggle for justice," the 22-year-old said.
In recent weeks, decades-long violence has increased with attacks on Israelis by Palestinian youth. Some believe the violence stems from what they see as an occupation of Palestinian territories by Israel.
The event is free, but there will be a jar for donations to SJP, he said.
He said he hopes to educate people on the Boycott, Divestment and Sanction movement, which calls for boycotts against Israel until the conflict ends.
Feldman said he thought The Jam was the right venue for hosting a progressive event.
Cristobal Gonzalez will be at the event performing with Los Panas 352, a Gainesville-based Latin band.
The 23-year-old singer said they agreed to perform because they thought it would be a good way to promote their music and the cause.
"I think it’s important to be informed, and this is a great place to be informed of what’s happening," he said. "They’re doing it in a cool way."
Feldman said he chose to educate the community through the arts because it’s a natural way to express ideas.
"The arts are timeless and an intrinsic means through which humans can express their ideologies, their passions and their desires," he said.
Contact Alexandra Fernandez at afernandez@alligator.org and follow her on Twitter @alexmfern
