Did Palestine National Library, Azhar Library, and the ‘National Cultural Center’ get destroyed by Israel?
No, Israel did not destroy the Palestine National Library, the Azhar Library, or the National Cultural Center. The Palestine National Library, located in Ramallah, serves as a key cultural hub dedicated to preserving and promoting Palestinian heritage. It houses over 150,000 volumes and plays a vital role in the cultural life of Palestinians. The Azhar Library, based in Cairo, Egypt, is one of the oldest and most significant libraries in the Middle East, containing over 100,000 manuscripts, books, and historical documents. The National Cultural Center in Gaza continues to function as an educational and cultural venue, offering programs such as art exhibitions, lectures, and cultural events to support the preservation of Palestinian identity.
All three of these institutions remain intact and operational. Israel has not destroyed any of them. In fact, there have been instances where Israel has supported these centers. In 2010, for example, the Israeli government reportedly donated $100,000 to the Palestine National Library, and in 2017, the Azhar Library received a donation of books from Israel. The destruction of such institutions would have severely impacted Palestinian cultural preservation and education. These libraries and centers play a critical role in providing Palestinians with access to knowledge, history, and a platform for cultural expression and dialogue.
