An 'evening of solidarity' with the population of Gaza, organized by the Urgence Palestine association, faced significant backlash due to a controversial poster calling for 'intifada'. The event, initially scheduled to be held at the Flèche d’Or, a cultural venue in Paris, was canceled after multiple criticisms.
The Flèche d’Or, managed by a collective and bought by the Paris town hall post-Covid-19, was set to host the event. However, the deputy for culture, Carine Rolland, emphasized the need for calm and resistance without excesses, leading to the event's relocation.
Karen Taïeb, another deputy, condemned the posters as incitements to hatred, pointing out the violent imagery and anti-Zionist messages. Despite the event's cancellation at Flèche d’Or, it was moved to a premises of the National Confederation of Labor (CNT), also owned by the town hall.
The controversy intensified on social media, with many highlighting the provocative nature of the posters. The mayor of the 20th arrondissement, Éric Pliez, mentioned that while the Flèche d’Or team had the freedom to choose its programming, they were alerted to the potential risks of holding such an event during this period.
- The Urgence Palestine association aimed to draw attention to the plight of people in Gaza through this event. However, the use of the term 'intifada' and the associated imagery sparked debates on whether it incited violence and hatred.
- The Flèche d’Or has previously been in the spotlight for hosting events with strong political and social messages. In July 2023, it hosted a concert supporting families of young individuals arrested during urban violence, indicating its ongoing engagement with contentious issues.
- The relocation of the event to the CNT premises highlights the complexities of managing cultural spaces that serve as platforms for political expression. The distinction between the CNT's independent operations and the city-funded Flèche d’Or underscores the different levels of oversight and control.
