Living in Beit Sahour, a Palestinian town east of Bethlehem, Yazan is a somber young man who carries the weight of the occupation and the challenges it poses to his art with him. He credits Dar al-Kalima University with his skills and ability to thrive under the daily restrictions he and his friends experience.

“It’s given me a lot of resources to develop myself," said Yazan explaining how his studies in sonography at Masrah Al-Hara in Beit Jala and restoration at DAK with a teacher from Italy enriched his artistic skills. These experiences have allowed him to explore different facets of art, from stage design to mural restoration.

Yazan’s art is deeply intertwined with his Palestinian heritage and the realities of life under occupation. "If you live here, it's natural," he said. "You can't escape it. Even if I paint a flower, political elements emerge." His work captures the essence of Palestinian life and the struggles faced amidst political turmoil. Yazan’s dedication to his art is evident; he paints every day. "Art here is not just a profession; it’s a form of resistance and a way to keep our identity alive," he shared. Despite the challenges, Yazan continues to create, driven by his desire to tell his story, the story of Palestine, through his art.

John Lindner, a dear Bright Stars of Bethlehem friend and supporter, was with me when I met Yazan. John bought a piece of Yazan’s artwork from a local gallery and was able to get a photo with him. This is the kind of support we want to see for Yazan, and the support he hopes for as his career continues.

Yazan dreams of freedom and a future where he can fully embrace his art without the constraints of the occupation. "Dar al-Kalima has given me more than just artistic skills. It taught me how to live, how to think, and how to find myself," he said. However, making a living from art in Palestine is difficult. "I sometimes do other work to survive," Yazan admitted. Despite these hardships, his resolve remains unshaken.

Yazan's story stays with me and reminds me of the stark differences between the struggles faced by our DAK students compared to the struggles we normally associate with college students. When we think of the issues the young people in our lives face, those concerns tend to gravitate around grades and having a vibrant social life, Yazan and his peers grapple with political instability, financial hardship, and limited resources.

Right now, at DAK, students struggle to pay tuition and their families struggle to make ends meet. The DAK staff and faculty have taken a 30% pay cut for the next several months to ensure the stability of the university as the genocide continues in Gaza. In 2023, donations from Bright Stars donors like you provided 22% of DAK’s budget, underscoring the critical need for increased support now as they face this crisis.

Your support can help students like Yazan continue their education. By donating to Bright Stars of Bethlehem, you’re investing in the next generation of creative leaders in Palestine. Your donations can make a significant difference, ensuring that these talented young men and women have the resources they need to succeed now and after graduation.