The outlet Info Chalon, in an article by Karim BOUAKLINE-VENEGAS AL GHARNATI, looks back at the success of the second edition of Festi’Palestine, held on 7 June 2026 at the Grange Rouge in La Chapelle-Naude by a group of associations coordinated notably by the Association France Palestine Solidarité du Chalonnais (AFPS 71).
An event marked by solidarity
According to Info Chalon, nearly a thousand people took part in this day of solidarity, culture and community in support of the Palestinian people.
The author notes that the programme included documentary film screenings, debates, a concert with four bands, dance demonstrations, activities for children and adults, food specialities, Palestinian handicrafts and an associations’ village bringing together more than twenty solidarity, humanitarian, trade union and citizen organisations.
Support for an orphanage in Gaza
The article explains that the event pursues a humanitarian aim. As Richard Béninger, president of AFPS 71, puts it, “the ambition remains as strong and urgent as at the first edition”, with the determination to turn solidarity into concrete action.
Info Chalon reports that all the donations and proceeds collected at this edition will go to funding a project in Palestine. This year, the organisers chose to support an orphanage in Gaza.
Strong public turnout
The author stresses that this second edition was a great popular success, with nearly a thousand visitors.
The screenings of the films Borderline (2020), directed by Antoine Bonzon and Benoît Bizard, and L’Affaire Abdallah (2026), by Pierre Carles, drew large audiences. The associations’ stands were also busy throughout the day.
According to Info Chalon, sales of Palestinian items at the AFPS 71 stand were very successful and many new memberships were recorded, showing the public’s interest in solidarity work.
Professor Raphaël Pitti’s talk
The afternoon was notably marked by a talk by Professor Raphaël Pitti, a war doctor committed to the civilian population in Gaza.
Info Chalon reports the testimony of Sylvie Hérody, a member of AFPS 71:
“It was overwhelming. He told us about the conditions in which he treated patients in Gaza and how he had to choose between children, for lack of enough medicines.”
The author also notes that Professor Raphaël Pitti ended his talk with an appeal to the audience:
“I need you”
According to the article, this appeal struck a particular chord with the participants, since all the proceeds of this second edition of Festi’Palestine will go to the orphanage founded by Professor Raphaël Pitti in Gaza.
A mobilisation praised by Info Chalon
In conclusion, Info Chalon considers that this second edition of Festi’Palestine confirms its status as a major international solidarity event in Saône-et-Loire, illustrating participants’ continued mobilisation for the Palestinian people.
Source
Original article published by Info Chalon – Karim BOUAKLINE-VENEGAS AL GHARNATI
