VI Palestinian Friendship Day Brings Warm Relations

M.A. Dworkin

St. Croix - The bonds of true friendship run deep. They take time and patience to establish. They command mutual respect. They are cherished. They are not easily broken because they have survived the test of time. Such are the bonds that exist between the Palestinian community and the community of the U.S. Virgin Islands. This strong bond was exhibited at the VI Palestinian Friendship Day that was presented by the Virgin Islands Palestinian Friendship Association at its Friendship Festival held on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at the Rudolph Shulterbrandt Agricultural Complex on St. Croix. 

The event brought together families, cultural organizations that represented both the Virgin Islands and the Palestinian community, along with various community partners and stakeholders, for a shared afternoon of delicious food, lively music and an intermingling of cultural traditions. 

The Festival featured cultural performances that had the crowd, measured in the hundreds, applauding with delight as they watched the Palestinian Dabka, Virgin Islands Quadrille dancing, and music from the center stage that kept the day rocking by popular groups Fyah Train and Classic Touch. The Mocko Jumbies made a special presentation dressed in Arabic clothing. 

“Our goal with the Friendship Festival is to create a warm, welcoming space where people can enjoy good food, music, and appreciate each other’s culture, while learning about the other’s history,” said Ahmed Hussein, President of the Virgin Islands Palestinian Friendship Association. “This is a time in our history when connection and understanding with others is crucially important. We hope this event will strengthen the bonds and bring the community even closer together. It is all about friendship.”

There was a wonderful Children’s Playground set up that included exhibits from the Children’s Museum, the Jungle James Petting Zoo, art, fun games and storytelling that kept the little ones delighted with smiles. Food and craft vendors, along with artisans selling their crafts, and cultural displays had booths set up across the grounds. Local organizations and government departments including the Department of Health and the University of the Virgin Islands School of Nursing were represented by handing out helpful information.    

“I feel very privileged to live in a place like this where we get to share cultural experiences,” said Lt. Governor Tregenza Roach, who was actually Acting Governor on that day since Governor Bryan was on his way for an informational trip to Ghana, Africa. “In sharing, we find we have much more in common. And it’s wonderful that we can welcome the differences between the cultures.”

The food, which was provided free by the Virgin Islands Palestinian Friendship Association was nothing short of a huge hit by one and all with long lines waiting to taste dishes like baked lamb and chicken, ultra crunchy chicken strips, potato wedges, Makloba, Malfoof, Kabseh, Fayosh, and taboleh, and a delicious Palestinian pizza Mosa Khan, all accompanied by Kasha Rice, Dawaly, and Usie Rice. It was obvious all the dishes were prepared in a loving manner. And the Palestinian desserts hit everyone’s sweet tooth just right. 

“The inclusiveness at the event caught my attention and confirmed that there was a real sense of peace, love and togetherness,” said popular radio host Abdul Ali who was enjoying the event.

This past week, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. joined members of the Palestinian Friendship Association at Government House St. Croix, for a turkey giveaway sponsored by the organization as they donated 100 turkeys to nonprofit organizations that serve residents in need across the island. The Governor thanked the Palestinian Friendship Association for choosing to partner with his office to support community-based organizations on St. Croix. 

The Palestinian Friendship Association is a community-based nonprofit whose mission is to build understanding and solidarity between Virgin Islanders and Palestinians through cultural programs, educational events and community partnerships. 

“I want to extend my sincere thanks to the Virgin Islands Palestinian Friendship Association for their generosity and their willingness to serve alongside us,” said the Governor at the turkey give-away event. “I am glad these turkeys have been donated to people who are really in need…On St. Croix and across the Territory we are best when we are looking out for one another.”

So the afternoon became a huge hit for the second annual VI Palestinian Friendship Day. There was a sense of camaraderie and warmth that pervaded the fairgrounds. A sense of respect for one another. The Virgin Islands is such a special place when it comes to different nationalities of people bonding with each other. There is really no place like it.