Preserve the Legacy of George Kirmiz: Palestinian Music Icon
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George Kirmiz, born in Jerusalem's Old City in 1953, is a pivotal figure in Palestinian music whose impact resonates across generations. From his early days with the group al-Baraem to his solo career in the United States, Kirmiz's music became a powerful voice for the Palestinian experience, spreading throughout Palestine, the Arab World, and the Palestinian diaspora.
Kirmiz's journey took him from Jerusalem to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he continued to create music while working in his brother's shoe shop. His songs, such as "Anā Ismī Sha'b Falasṭīn" ("My Name is the Palestinian People") and "Ḍiddu" ("Against"), became anthems of resistance and identity, circulating widely on cassette tapes throughout the world.
Two distinguished scholars, Dr. Issa Boulos and Dr. Louis Berhony, have been working on documenting and preserving Kirmiz's extraordinary legacy. They have already written a joint article about his life and music and are now volunteering their time and expertise to create a comprehensive website dedicated to Kirmiz's work.
This website will serve as a vital resource, hosting:
• Kirmiz's entire music catalog
• Scholarly research and analysis
• Historical context and commentary
• Rare photographs and archival materials
Your donation will help cover the costs of website hosting, ensuring that this invaluable piece of Palestinian cultural heritage remains accessible to music lovers, researchers, and future generations worldwide.
By contributing to this project, you'll play a crucial role in:
• Preserving a significant chapter of Palestinian musical history
• Supporting independent scholarly research
• Ensuring Kirmiz's powerful songs continue to inspire and educate
Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us closer to honoring George Kirmiz's legacy and keeping his music alive. Join us in celebrating this unsung hero of Palestinian culture and resistance through song.
Donate now to help build a lasting digital home for George Kirmiz's remarkable musical journey!
– Issa Boulos was born in Jerusalem and is an international award-winning composer, lyricist, songwriter, and researcher. Issa has performed and led musical ensembles in Palestine and across the world. He received his Ph.D. from Leiden University and currently serves as Director of the Community Music Center at Harper College, Chicago. He plays ʿūd, and buzuq.
– Louis Brehony is a musician, activist, researcher, and educator. He is the author of the book Palestinian Music in Exile: Voices of Resistance (2023), editor of Ghassan Kanafani: Selected Political Writings (2024), and director of the award-winning film Kofia: A Revolution Through Music (2021). He writes regularly on Palestine and political culture and performs internationally as a buzuq player and guitarist.
They contributed this article to The Palestine Chronicle
Organizer
Issa Boulos
Organizer
Barrington, IL