Walking down one of the most historically recognisable streets in Bristol you might notice a Palestinian flag flying boldly with pride.
Since 2013, The Palestine Museum and Cultural Centre in Broad Street has aimed to become a safe space for the Palestinian diaspora to authentically tell their stories.
As the sole Palestine Museum currently operating in Europe, it undoubtedly bears responsibility in representing what it truly means to be Palestinian, from its history to a powerful heritage that has thrived in the face of adversity.
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The group of volunteers who solely run the Museum every weekend believe their role at the centre is significant in being able to open hearts and minds beyond borders, politics and religion.
Helen Watts, trustee and treasurer of The Palestine Museum, said: “I really relate to the phrase, ‘Solidarity is a verb’ because it really resonates with the work we do.
“It’s not a one-off flashy event and then it’s all over and done with. It’s something we do every day.
"The museum is open Saturday and Sunday but we and the volunteers work every single day and whether a volunteer is taking the trash out or they are a speaking at an event, they are the epitome of not only showing solidarity but bringing that into action.”
From the very start, many of the museum’s volunteers have stated how the establishment signified the dire need for progress in adequately addressing the plight of the Palestinian people.
In light of Amnesty International’s recent report that consisted of the Israeli state being accused of maintaining to be a "an institutionalized regime of oppression”, which subsequently garnered controversy, the museum volunteers hope their work can be viewed nonetheless as a positive light in promoting equality and co-existence.
William, a long-term volunteer at the Palestine Museum, said: “The museum came to being because The United Nations decided that Palestine could be a member state but not a country- only observer status. A group of us were worried about whether Palestine could actually exist just as a member state; we were all trying our best in the interest of the Palestinian people to get the message out by forming the Museum.
“There are Israelis that also appreciate what we do because it’s very difficult for them too, which is why we are here to show the public, mainly on the Palestinian side, because they need support so that both Israelis and Palestinians can live in harmony.”
The goals of the Museum, according to such testimonies, have centred on finding ways to initiate dialogue in order to strengthen relationships between marginalised groups and uniting under one cause.
As a result, the Palestine Museum team has publicly held a variety of events over the years, from talks, cultural exhibitions to even film festivals - all in the name of peace.
Helen said: “We’re still opening museums on a regular basis and still running events, but we’re improving our displays, the type of artefacts and quantity of documentation.
“We’re also learning ourselves as volunteers in how to be creative in the different ways we engage such as working with young people in upcoming sessions where we will be inviting even youth groups and schools. But it also comes down to the conversations that our volunteers have with visitors.
“Many of our volunteers, not all, have visited Palestine in a variety of capacities from knowing Palestinians to being Palestinian themselves.
“It’s those engagements with visitors that are very important because our volunteers can offer a first-hand account which is what we try to do in emphasising grassroots witnesses.”
Simon, a second volunteer who has also worked at the museum for years, addressed the other recent developments, particularly post-Covid.
He said: “Under current government guidelines, we’ve been active for quite a few months and we’ve held events such as The Palestine Film Festival.
“Our real aim is to close the museum as soon as possible when we no longer need to educate people about Palestine and the occupation has ended.”
Despite acting mainly as a cultural hub and traditional museum, it has also prided itself as a retailer by selling Palestinian goods to assist in promoting Palestinian entrepreneurship.
William said: “We did win a Fairtrade award for the advocacy of Palestinians by retailing Palestinian farmers’ produce of zeytoun as we were one of the biggest sellers in the South West.
“Not only are we a museum and a cultural centre, but we are also able to sell good products while supporting farmers that work under quite considerable restrictions by the Israeli government.
“The zeytoun produce also serves an educational purpose that we are giving people an opportunity to learn about Palestinian produce like dates, olive oil, almonds, and even Palestinian food such as maftoul and freekah.”
The team have also emphasised the importance of the symbiotic relationship between Bristol and The Palestine Museum that has contributed to its success - the centre even currently possesses some of renowned local artist Banksy’s artwork for viewing.
Simon said: “It’s no surprise that we’re still here as well as we are only one part of Bristol and its radical activism that’s been around for centuries.
“I’m not shocked about what else has been happening in Bristol from the Black Lives Matter movement to Extinction Rebellion. We’re all part of this ongoing active struggle for justice and for the benefit of people.”
As a museum and cultural centre that is solely funded through donations, the team’s ultimate wish is to preserve The Palestine Museum for the time being through wide support, while hoping that the next generation of changemakers can push for even greater dialogue and participation.
William added: ”There is a lot of news that isn't seen as newsworthy. The more media coverage we get, the better our chances of being successful will be.”
