Expressions of horror of Israel’s 2014 invasion

Mahnoor, who has lived and worked in Gaza for over 25 years as drama therapist, said that during the invasion in 2014, the destruction and trauma was more severe than ever before. “These children felt a need to express themselves — through writings, art, painting, sketches, photographs and other media. 

I felt the need to bring them here to make people speak on Israeli occupation, Palestinian resistance and BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) and to look at where Palestine is heading,” she explained, adding that the finale of the exhibition will be held on July 26 at Quaid-e-Milleth College for Men, Tambaram. 

As a drama therapist, Mahnoor’s work involved in providing techniques in drama to give Palestinian children space and opportunity to address issues of concern. “We had kids who were interestingly addressing the violence in the house rather than the occupation. One young boy said he had no idea why his father kept beating him up. Our group worked with him for a few months. At one point, when he was about to be beaten up, he confronted his father. 

The boy said his father was shocked and they finally sat and talked – which was a first for them. He felt there was a great change in their relationship,” she said.  Mahnoor recalled how Mahmoud Al-Kurd, at the age of 22, taught himself to paint and create digital art, whose artwork is displayed at the exhibition. 

“In Gaza, young people don’t see a light at the end of the tunnel anymore. Earlier, they could —  that’s what they fought and lived for. Now, they have graduated from college but have no work, no future to look forward to. They don’t see a reason nor do they have energy and strength to fight anymore. So, everybody wants to leave, but that is impossible. So, many youngsters take to art or volunteering to keep themselves occupied. 

However, there has been an increase in the drug intake and there are not many facilities available,” she rued. Despite the continuing conflict, Mahnoor said there is an inherent struggle to rebuild their lives. “They’re resilient; you bring down their house, they will rebuild it. They know they have to live. To live normally, they need to rebuild their homes. That is the basis of life in Gaza,” she concluded. 

Chennai kids empathise with Palestine ‘friends’ 

Mahnoor said the response to the exhibition in Chennai had been fantastic. “The children from a local school were especially amazing. One child asked why the Palestinian children don’t come here and said her parents or grandparents would take care of them. There was empathy and retrospection – as to why this is being done and why nobody is helping them. Further, they wanted to find ways to help them. So, we suggested they draw or write something for the children in Palestine. They did some drawing and wrote some stories which we will translate and send to children in Gaza,” she beamed, happily.