Maryam’s Path to Healing Through Art
In Deir el-Balah, Gaza Strip, 16-year-old Maryam finds solace in art, providing her with a much-needed escape from the chaos surrounding her. As she sits in front of a blank sheet of paper, her pencil traces the outlines of her thoughts and feelings. This creative process is more than just a pastime; it’s a sanctuary for her amidst the brutal realities of war.
The Impact of War on Daily Life
Maryam’s journey took a tragic turn in January 2024 when her family home was destroyed in an airstrike. Now living with her grandmother, she grapples with the loss of friends and family members, including her uncle, amid attacks that have claimed over 73,000 Palestinian lives since the conflict escalated in October 2023. In this context, finding a space to express herself is imperative for her emotional well-being.
The beachfront art space she frequents has become her refuge. “The space helped me return to myself and rediscover my passion for drawing,” she reflects. For Maryam, each drawing transforms into a vessel for carrying her unspoken feelings, offering her a sense of relief she cannot find elsewhere. “Every drawing makes me feel that I have managed to describe a part of what I feel,” she says, emphasizing how art allows her to communicate emotions that are often too complex for words.
A Safe Space for Creativity
Since the art space opened in April, Maryam has embraced the opportunity to create daily. She describes the joy of completing a drawing as a source of hope amid her tumultuous environment. “Each piece I finish gives me a sense of achievement and helps me wake up every day with renewed passion,” she explains. “If I hadn’t picked up my pencil, I might have succumbed to despair.”
This initiative, led by Abdullah al-Ghafri, aims to counteract the despair surrounding children like Maryam. Al-Ghafri founded the art space in response to the destruction of most educational and cultural centers in Gaza. “The main goal is to lift participants out of the atmosphere of war and provide a sanctuary where they can transform negative energy into positivity,” he shares.
Art as a Coping Mechanism
Experts underscore the significance of art in the healing process for children coping with trauma. Psychologist Asil Abu Shawish notes that creative expression enables children to release pent-up emotions. “When a child engages in activities like drawing or music, they alleviate some of the psychological pressure they face,” she explains.
Abu Shawish also highlights the stability created by these safe spaces. “Knowing they have designated time for artistic activities helps children feel in control during unpredictable circumstances,” she adds. This psychological anchor is crucial, especially in a war-torn environment where fear and loss are prevalent. Artistic activities offer a means to articulate feelings that might otherwise go unexpressed.
The Role of Music in Healing
In Nuseirat, another initiative at the Palestinian Student Care Association emphasizes the healing power of music. Jabr Thabet coordinates activities at the Edward Said National Conservatory, striving to bring musical lessons to children despite the war’s destruction. “We aim to provide a space for children to experience joy and connect with peers,” he explains, noting the resilience that music fosters.
As children gather to learn instruments and singing, Thabet observes the transformation that occurs during these sessions. “The enthusiasm of the children stands out,” he shares. “They arrive eager to learn and leave with a sense of fulfillment.” Music not only serves as a creative outlet but also acts as a form of resilience, allowing children to express their feelings in ways that words may fail to capture.
In a world engulfed in turmoil, both art and music offer essential avenues for emotional healing, giving young individuals like Maryam and their peers a chance to reclaim a sense of normalcy amid chaos.