Gaza's children speak of their desire for freedom
Reageer (0)25-1-2010
Gaza – Dozens of children living in the besieged Gaza Strip expressed their desire to live decent lives where their rights are guaranteed in a world far from war and internal conflict, during the final stages of a three week event dedicated to children's art and drawing.
The children spoke during the finale ceremony for Gaza Through the Eyes of the Youth, an event organized by the Sharekna Youth Group, in coordination with the Al-Ata Organization for Mother and Child, where they painted across the wall in front of the Legislative Council in Gaza.
One of the event's organizers and coordinator for Sharekna, Maysa Efteha, said that activities began during the first anniversary of Operation Cast Lead and lasted 22 days "representing the number of days of war experienced by children and young people. Children could experience a form of catharsis from their psychological traumas through drawing and color."
Mai Al-Ghalayeeny, 11, said "Dad used to hug me during the last war. I don’t know who will hug me if there’s another war because my father died. I have nightmares. Today, I draw how the Israelis shelled our houses and killed people." Mai hopes that Gaza will not experience another war.
Omar Abdo, 13, said "I sympathize with the children who were deprived from their parents' love and care during the war. Today I draw children who are happy, as the war ended and wishing it will not come back." Omar also wished that the occupation would end, so that Palestinians would be free to visit holy sites in Jerusalem.
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