This year, the festival is adapted to reflect the impact of the Israeli Occupation's aggression in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
The festival will feature stars of resistance and resilience, including Lebanese icons Marcel Khalife, known for the song “Montaseb Al-Qamah Amshi” which translates to 'I Walk Upright' with lyrics by Palestinian poet Samih Al-Qasim, and Omaima Khalil. They will be joined by notable thinkers and poets, such as the Syrian poet Adonis.
A source close to the festival's planning revealed that the 38th edition is designed to honor the sacrifices of the Palestinian people and aligns with Jordan's supportive stance on the Palestinian cause.
There is a possibility of collaborating with the Al-Hanouna band, which focuses on reviving Palestinian heritage through traditional songs and dances.
Palestinian artist and resistance singer Sanaa Musa from Ramallah will also participate, alongside Syrian Faia Younan and Egyptian singer Hamza Namira.
Jordanian artists Omar Al-Abdallat, Diana Karazon, and Nidaa Sharara will headline a group of local stars at this year's Jerash Festival.
The largest venue, the "Southern Theater," will be closed this year as a gesture of solidarity with Gaza.
The festival will also feature 135 poets, led by poet and thinker Ali Ahmed Saeed Esber, known as “Adonis.” A symposium will be held on the works of the late Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish, famous for his poem "Sajjel Ana Arabi"
The Minister of Culture, Haifa Al-Najjar, has previously stated that this year's Jerash Festival will emphasize creativity, innovation, and cultural industries.
The Jordanian Artists Association has called for the festival to have a "national and Arab character that reflects the Renaissance project and authentic Jordanian values." In a statement, the syndicate urged for the revival of “Jordanian songs, poems, theater, serious films, and events that reflect the wounds of Gaza and bolster our resolve and resilience.” It also emphasized the importance of hosting "Arab teams committed to content and performance to stand in solidarity with Palestine and its people."
