A Staged Reading – In Development

Written by Tomer Aldubi | Translated by Shir Freibach | Directed by Ibrahim Miari

Sharif شريف is a gripping and deeply moving new drama that follows the journey of a queer Palestinian man who is forced to flee the West Bank after being outed. Alone and seeking asylum in Israel- a place that is both refuge and threat- Sharif must navigate a complex web of bureaucracy, suspicion, and social stigma, all while haunted by the memory of Nour, the secret lover he was forced to leave behind.

Told through a series of interwoven flashbacks and present-day scenes, the play brings to life Sharif’s struggle for survival, his longing for love, and the quiet courage it takes to endure in the face of constant danger.

Based on real testimonies, Sharif shines a rare light on the lives of LGBTQ+ Palestinians living under occupation. It’s a heartbreaking, urgent, and ultimately hopeful call for empathy, justice, and human dignity.

A note from the Playwright

Five years ago, I discovered that dozens of LGBTQ+ Palestinians are forced to flee the West Bank when their lives are endangered because of their sexual orientation. I was shocked – not only because I had never heard about this, but also because these individuals, once inside Israel, are granted temporary permits to stay, yet denied the rights to live a safe, decent, and fair life.

At the time, this community was barely visible, both in local and international discourse. My journey began as a journalist for Mako, an Israeli news website, where I wrote one of the first Israeli press articles about the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ Palestinians – in both the West Bank and in Israel.

Since then, I’ve continued to deepen my understanding through volunteer work with The Different House, an Israeli non-profit that empowers and supports Arab LGBTQ+ people in Israel and the occupied territories. The organization provides legal and personal aid to Palestinian asylum seekers, and works tirelessly to protect this vulnerable community.

In 2022, following the horrific murder of Ahmed Abu Marhia, queer Palestinians finally began receiving broader international attention. The struggle that had long gone unnoticed was now, at last, gaining momentum.

SHARIF is a story of exile, belonging, and racism. It’s based on real testimonies from brave individuals who chose to share their most painful memories, in the hope of raising awareness and helping others who face LGBTQ+ hate and persecution.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to the cast, creative team, and the BorderLight Festival for their courage and dedication in bringing this play to life – especially in today’s climate. I believe that the only path to lasting peace is through collaboration: Palestinians and Israelis, Jews and Arabs, working together to create art that challenges, heals, and inspires.

As an Israeli, I feel a responsibility – and a privilege – to help share these stories. Stories that are still too often neglected or silenced. By amplifying these voices, we create space for empathy, understanding, and hopefully, change.

Solidarity across communities, faiths, and identities is the only key to create a better and safer life for us and for future generations.