We are devastated by the human tragedy taking place in Gaza

Statement October 13th 2023

In the past 30 years, the HOPE Foundation has helped traumatized and handicapped children to build a meaningful life for themselves, by means of playful lessons in the fields of art and culture. Together with the Khan Younis Open Studio team and the PRCS University College of Ability Development, we offered Summer Camps; we helped create the BeeHome platform where children can learn through arts, film and games; we created The Academy, run by local artists; we supported the talented MYUZ in creating the first Breakdance Academy in Gaza; we helped create the Social Media Club (in collaboration with Media Life); and at the Beehome Academy (www.beehomeacademy.com) our learnings were published, for everyone to share.

For 30 years, we could work in Gaza under the flag of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, for which we are deeply grateful. We envisioned a future where children are able to cope with the effects of war. Within our programs, talented and motivated children learned new artistic techniques, developed their vision, worked together and exchanged ideas. This gave the youth of Gaza a voice, an opportunity to get in touch with a the world, and a window of hope on – maybe – a slightly better future. Over the years, we have seen thousands and thousands of wonderful young Palestinians, who together have created the most amazing collection of art works and performances. They enjoyed exciting and enlighting experiences to distract them from their daily worries, and to recover from trauma.

Now, all this is no longer possible. During the past days, we have been witnessing a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented proportions in Gaza. At first, we were able to maintain contact through mobile and online media. We witnessed the fear of innocent children, the fear of parents running out of water and electricity, and the inability of all to flee or seek hide, while the continuous impact of Israeli bombs on civilians, schools and hospitals keeps taking place day and night.

We have seen the fear of death rising with the hour. Now, their mobile phones turned silent.

We hold our hearts for the people in Gaza.