"Malekat el-Harir" Osama Silwadi's new book

Palestinian photographer Osama Silwadi this week published a new photography book, "Malekat el-Harir" (Queens of Silk) in the Ramallah cultural palace. The event was attended by Palestinian prime minister Salam Fayyad and many intellectuals and artists. Fayyad praised Silwadi's creativity and cited his determination to overcome difficulties and challenges in order to convey his message through his lens which "portrayed Palestinian reality". "This is the sixth book by Silwadi. I salute his determination to overcome difficulties and challenges to convey Palestinian life to the whole world. He focuses on the realities of Palestine and its suffering related to the Israeli occupation and historical injustice which is inflicted our people, in addition to highlighting our cultural heritage. We can sense a high level of dedication and creativity in Silwadi’s works," said the prime minister. Fayyad also said the book took a unique look at Palestinian culture, such as the traditional Palestinian dress worn by "Queens of Silk". He added: "This book is important as it reveals the systematic targeting of the Palestinian identity from the very beginning, especially since Al Nakba." "I hope this will be accessible to everyone and decorate our museums and cultural centres," he finished.