BETHLEHEM (Ma’an) -- The Arab Educational Institute, a member organization of Pax Christi International, held a fourth annual festival entitled “Sumud: For the Sake of Achieving our Rights” in Bethlehem on Wednesday.

Hundreds of Palestinians and international activists attended the festival that took place near the separation barrier north of Bethlehem.

Fuad Giacaman, the institute’s director, welcomed the participants and affirmed the steadfastness of the Palestinian people in addition to holding onto their Palestinian identity.

He also pointed to the “Wall Museum” -- a series of true stories by Palestinian women of suffering and oppression as well as steadfastness, inner strength and cultural identity. The museum was set up by his institute.

Giacaman says writing stories is a way to preserve Palestinian oral history.

The festival included a number of cultural, heritage and artistic performances with the participation of the Vision Association for Culture and Arts, in al-Azariyah in Jerusalem.