Afaq Jadeeda Association Mural In Gaza

This mural, one of the many painted by American and Palestinian artists as part of the Maia Mural Project, was painted on the wall at the Afaq Jadeeda Association. Afaq Jadeeda assists the Palestinian children's growth both mind and body through various cultural activities. When I worked with the children creating art, their artwork reflected the water crisis in Gaza.







The little figure with its back facing us is Hanthala created by the famous Palestinian cartoonist Naji al-Ali that has become an iconic symbol of Palestinian struggle and defiance. Hanthala is a 10 year old refugee boy with ragged clothes, bare feet, and his back is always to the viewer.

Children Of Gaza and Art

Today I returned to the Afaq Jadeela Association in Mukhaim El Jadeed to create art with the children.

Water is a big issue here in Gaza. The children are asking for clean water to drink. As part of the Maia Mural Project we will paint murals around Gaza.

I asked the children to create pictures about water. Their pictures told the story of the water pollution and the need for fresh water and a cleaner environment.

The most interesting part of being "lost in translation" was that after I passed out the boxes of crayons and paper, the children just sat there. I did not know what was wrong. Majd came with pencils and the children began drawing.

Here are some photos of these sweet, beautiful children who graced my day.

Another Day in Gaza

I spent the day with the children and coordinators at the Afaq Jadeela Association in Mukhaim El Jadeed as part of the Maia Mural Project.

They were sooo gracious and joyous.

You must watch the dance they performed for Melissa and me.



"We are the children of Palestine. We are living, sometimes we are not. We demand our rights. We have the right to play and have recreation. We have the right to education. It is good for man to go any place, we cannot. We have the right to express our thoughts. We are the makers of the new future. We have the right to protection. We have the right to live in peace. We have a right to clean environment. We have the right to healthcare and medications. By our talents and our skills...we can do miracles for our homeland.