In a unique fusion of cultural remembrance and activism, a group of artists has come together to raise their voices for Palestine in an event called Pchum Ben 4 Palestine. 

The charity exhibition, which will be hosted by FT Gallery at Factory Phnom Penh on September 26, will feature a unique blend of art, music and tradition to show solidarity with the Palestinian people.

“The event also aims to raise funds for the Palestine Children's Relief Fund (PCRF), providing urgent medical care to children affected by the ongoing crisis in Gaza,” said the organisers – concerned citizens based in Phnom Penh, both Khmer and international – who seek to raise awareness about the current situation.

Shared histories of trauma and resilience

Pchum Ben is a deeply significant Buddhist festival in Cambodia, where the living honour the souls of their ancestors, praying for peace and redemption. 

The organisers said that this year, the Cambodian artists involved in the exhibition are drawing parallels between their country’s history and the suffering of the Palestinian people. 

Scarred by war, genocide and global silence during the Khmer Rouge era, Cambodians see in Palestine a reflection of their own past struggles. 

“Just as we remember and pay respects to our ancestors, we extend our heartfelt compassion to the Palestinian people who are enduring inhuman suffering and loss,” said the multinational organisers in a press release. 

Art as a form of protest and unity

The exhibition features works by over 20 artists, including Cambodian, Khmer diaspora and Palestinian creators, who aim to convey a message of unity through their shared experiences of trauma and survival.

Illustration by Sam Daro for the Pchum Ben 4 Palestine fundraising event. All proceeds will go to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund (PCRF). Supplied

Artist Sam Daro, a prominent participant, posted on his social media announcing his involvement.

“This Thursday I will be a part of a charity exhibition called Pchum Ben 4 Palestine... I’m showing three artworks at the event. One of the three will be posted soon,” he said. “However, the other two might not be posted on Facebook or Instagram... because I think the artworks might cause a controversy among my Cambodian people on social media.”

Daro emphasised that these controversial works hold deep personal stories and are among his finest creations. He encourages attendees to see them firsthand at the gallery.

An evening of reflection and action

The event will begin with the sale of symbolic items like black-and-white kramas (traditional Cambodian scarves) and zines, proceeds of which will be donated to the PCRF. 

A traditional Pchum Ben ceremony will follow, performed by monks and setting a reflective tone. 

The evening will include moving speeches that connect Cambodia’s history with Palestine’s current struggles, poetry readings and a concert by Messenger Band, a group known for their advocacy against oppression.

The entire evening is designed to educate young Cambodians about the situation in Palestine while fostering empathy and understanding through the lens of their own historical trauma.

“It also seeks to amplify the voices of Palestinian and regional artists, promoting solidarity and raising awareness of the crisis,” said the organisers. “By connecting the shared experiences of genocide between Cambodia and Palestine, the event highlights the symbolic power of remembrance and unity.”

Standing with Palestine

The organising committee, a coalition of Khmer and international artists, believes that standing in solidarity with Palestine is not just an act of charity, but a moral responsibility. 

As one of the organisers, Adana Mam Legros, said: “It is our responsibility as human beings, particularly as first- and second-generation survivors of the Khmer Rouge, to rise up and express our solidarity with the Palestinian people.”​