Empowering Artists in Gaza

Two million Palestinians call the Gaza Strip home, making it one of the world’s most densely populated geographic areas. Palestinians in Gaza have been living in an open-air prison environment since 2007, as Israel has denied them free access to the remainder of the Occupied territory or anywhere else in the world. Restrictions imposed by Israel affect water supply, power supply, food access, and continue to further the collapse of the economy, with unemployment reaching 52% in 2018. Despite the collective punishment imposed on the civilian population of Gaza, Gazans continue an unprecedented resilience through embracing “Existence is Resistance.”

DAK University has established a crucial presence in Gaza with its Dar al-Kalima Gaza Training Center, focusing on psychosocial support through the arts. The October 7th attack by Hamas triggered an Israeli military response with the ultimate goal of the Israeli assault being to make life in the Gaza Strip unlivable.

In addition to depriving people of medical assistance, and adequate shelter or sanitation, thousands of patients are suffering from kidney failure, heart disease, and cancer, dying from lack of access to health services. Thousands are suffering from diseases such as polio, hepatitis, and other infections due to a lack of vaccines, clean water, or hygiene. In addition, Israel is using starvation as a weapon by depriving access to adequate food and water and blocking supplies from entering Gaza. Israel has dropped close to 100,000 tons of explosives on the Gaza Strip, including 2000-pound dumb bombs, equivalent to several nuclear bombs. The assault on Gaza has caused serious bodily and mental harm that will take decades to heal. These policies and the excessive and disproportionate use of force amount to genocide according to the International Court of Justice. Israel’s ultimate aim is to make life in Gaza so hellish that those surviving the genocide will have no choice but to seek refuge elsewhere, thus ethnically cleansing Gaza.

Despite the destruction of the Gaza Training Center in April 2024 and the loss of two staff members, 36 volunteers currently organize psychosocial activities in shelters to help children cope with trauma. In the first six months of this year, the DAK Gaza Center conducted 180 psychosocial activities, reaching at least 3,600 children aged 6 to 15. Activities included music and dance therapy, art projects, and storytelling, all aimed at helping the children manage their fears and anxiety. The response from both children and parents was overwhelmingly positive, with many requesting similar activities for caregivers.

DAK is also supporting university students in Gaza, whose campuses have been destroyed, by facilitating their education under challenging circumstances. The organization has collaborated with Palestinian universities in the West Bank to ensure students receive accreditation for their courses, helping to restore lost academic records.

In a pilot phase launched in the Summer and Fall of 2024, DAK offered art-related courses and received 1,662 applications, ultimately accepting 564 students. This response underscores the significant need and hope among young people for a better future. Many students have demonstrated remarkable dedication, overcoming obstacles to participate in their education, such as walking long distances to access Wi-Fi for live classes.

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The Healing Power of Art Therapy for Children in Gaza

In response to the violence in October 2023, Dar al-Kalima’s Gaza Training Center has been supporting recovery efforts by providing art therapy to children, families, and artists. Amid ongoing conflict, Gazan children face significant challenges that impact their emotional and psychological well-being. Art therapy serves as a vital tool for healing, enabling children to express their experiences and emotions creatively. This holistic approach not only helps them cope with trauma but also fosters personal development and resilience. In a landscape marked by despair, art therapy offers hope for a brighter future for the children of Gaza.

Emotional Expression

One of the primary benefits of art therapy is its ability to offer a safe space for emotional expression. For many children, verbal communication of feelings can be daunting, especially when dealing with trauma. Through creative processes such as drawing, painting, or sculpting, children can articulate their thoughts and emotions visually. This form of expression allows them to explore feelings of fear, anger, and sadness in a non-threatening environment.

Processing Trauma

Engaging in art can facilitate the processing of traumatic experiences. By externalizing their emotions and memories through artistic creation, children may find it easier to confront and understand what they have been through. Art therapy provides a therapeutic outlet, helping children transition from feelings of despair to moments of reflection and healing.

Building Resilience

Art therapy encourages the development of resilience in children. As they engage in creative activities, they regain a sense of control over their environment and lives. This empowerment is crucial in building coping mechanisms, allowing children to navigate the challenges they face with greater strength and confidence.

Boosting Self-Esteem

Creating art can significantly enhance a child’s self-esteem. When children see their artistic projects completed, they experience a sense of achievement and pride. This boost in self-worth is essential, particularly in environments where children may feel powerless or marginalized due to their circumstances.

Cognitive Development

Art therapy also stimulates cognitive development. As children engage in creative tasks, they develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. These cognitive benefits are crucial for their overall development and can help them adapt to the challenges posed by their environment.

Stress Relief

The act of creating art can provide a form of stress relief and relaxation. As children immerse themselves in artistic activities, they experience a meditative state that offers a respite from the harsh realities surrounding them. This therapeutic effect is essential for promoting general well-being in high-stress situations.

Cultural Expression

Art serves as a poignant medium for cultural expression. Through their artwork, children can connect with their heritage and identity. Creating and sharing art that reflects their culture fosters pride and continuity, helping children feel grounded in their identity amidst the disruptions caused by conflict.

Enhancing Social Skills

Art therapy often takes place in group settings, fostering an opportunity for social interaction. As children collaborate on projects and share their creations, they develop important social skills, such as teamwork and communication. This sense of community is especially vital in conflict-affected areas, where feelings of isolation and disconnection can be prevalent.

Facilitating Communication

For some children, especially those who have experienced severe trauma, traditional communication methods may be challenging. Art therapy acts as a bridge, allowing them to convey their experiences without the constraints of language. This unique form of communication can lead to deeper understanding and connection with others.

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