Join us for an evening with Gaza
Saturday November 15 at 4 pm
&Revontuli, Revontulentie 8A
Duration app. 4 h, incl. break
Through readings, video messages, talks, and live music, Gaza calling Espoo brings the human face of Gaza closer to Finland. The event is part of breaking the silence around the genocide.
We will also make a direct telephone connection to Gaza.
Performances and speeches will be in Finnish, English, and Arabic. Partially subtitled. You can see the entire program at the bottom of the page.
Proceeds from the event will be donated to Gaza through Doctors Without Borders.
Tickets from 15 EUR
Ticket prices start at €15. All ticket proceeds will be donated to Gaza via Doctors Without Borders, and you can also purchase more expensive tickets for the event, worth up to €150, from the ticket shop.
Buy ticketsComment from the organizers
"We have stayed silent for too long – both Finland as a nation and its cultural institutions. Genocide is happening right before our eyes. If history has taught us anything, it is this: evil happens because those who consider themselves good remain silent.
This event is a small gesture, but it is something. It draws attention to the suffering of civilians in Gaza, which should never be allowed to happen again," say Matilda von Weissenberg and Jussi Sorjanen.
Donate to Gaza through Doctors Without Borders
MobilePay
11126 / Kertomuksia Gazasta
Bank transfer
Recipient: Doctors Without Borders
Recipient's account number: FI54 8443 2710 0724 34
Message: Kertomuksia Gazasta
Programme
4:00 pm – Music
Nemat Battah, Vice-head of Global Music Department at the Sibelius Academy, oud player and singer, brings Arabic music traditions and new compositions to the stage.
4:15 pm – Keynote
Randa J. Al-Dawoudi, Palestinian journalist, author, and communications expert working to promote intercultural understanding
Gaza before and after – memories, perseverance, and storytelling as resistance
Also featuring video messages from Gaza residents.
4:45 pm – Panel discussion: Gaza in reality, Gaza in the media
What do we know and what remains unseen?
Randa J. Al-Dawoudi
Timo R. Stewart, senior researcher at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs, specializing in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Gunvor Kronman, CEO of the Hanasaaren Kulttuurikeskus cultural center, experienced influencer in international cooperation
Kaisa Rautaheimo, photojournalist for Helsingin Sanomat, familiar with the Middle East and has reported from Gaza, among other places
5:45 pm – Break
6:15 pm – Music and dance
Compañía Kaari & Roni Martin, an award-winning Finnish contemporary dance group that combines flamenco and theatrical storytelling, will perform a piece based on songs in Finnish and Arabic.
6:30 pm – Stories from Gaza
Excerpts from Randa J. Al-Dawoud's book Gaza’s women. The stories you never heard, to be published in spring 2026.
Subtitled clips with direct voices from Gaza.
6:50 pm – Music
The beloved Susanna Haavisto, who has had a long career, sings. Suvi Isotalo accompanies on the piano.
7:15 pm – Closing remarks and joint phone call to Gaza
We will connect directly with Gaza.
7:40 pm – Music
Nemat Battah – oud and vocals
Ramy Essam & band – internationally renowned protest singer who rose to fame during the Arab Spring and has since performed around the world
The perfomers
Nemat Battah is a Palestinian-Jordanian singer, oud player, composer, and educator. She works as Lecturer and Vice Head of the Global Music Department at the Sibelius Academy. Her music blends Arabic classical and folk traditions with new compositions, exploring themes such as intergenerational war trauma and questions of identity.
Randa J. Al-Dawoudi is a journalist, communications specialist, and writer dedicated to telling stories that foster dialogue and mutual understanding. Her work moves between journalism, advocacy, and creative communication, bringing people and perspectives together across cultures. Her book Gaza’s women. The stories you never heard will be published in spring 2026.
Timo R. Stewart is a historian (PhD) and senior researcher specializing in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict and the role of religion in politics. His books and research explore how religious and cultural narratives influence social choices and international relations.
Gunvor Kronman is the CEO of Hanasaari and the director of The Swedish-Finnish Cultural Foundation. With a background in diplomacy and international cooperation, she works to promote Nordic dialogue, collaboration, and cultural exchange.
Kaisa Rautaheimo works as a journalist and photographer for Helsingin Sanomat. She writes regularly about the Middle East and has been to the region several times on assignment. Rautaheimo reported from Gaza during the 2014 war.
Compañía Kaari & Roni Martin is an award-winning Finnish contemporary dance company known for its intense physicality, bold imagery, and theatrical storytelling. Drawing on the roots of flamenco, the company creates original, multidisciplinary stage works that resonate internationally.
Susanna Haavisto is a singer, actress, and versatile performer with a long career spanning theatre, television, and music. She is celebrated for her powerful stage presence and emotional interpretations, blending classic songs, new repertoire, and personal storytelling.
Suvi Isotalo is a musician, pianist, and singer who creates intimate, personal performances. Her music combines lyrical sensitivity with a distinctive style and atmosphere that invites listeners into a quiet, reflective space.
Ramy Essam is an Egyptian singer-songwriter and one of the most prominent voices of contemporary protest music. Rising to fame during the Arab Spring, his powerful songs have since become anthems for freedom, justice, and human rights worldwide.
