Gazan school girls send a message to the world

Gazan school girls send a message to the world

Today I went to Haifa Primary ‘B’ School for Girls in Khan Younes, Gaza.

It is three years and two days since their world was shattered by Operation Cast Lead, the Israeli offensive which began on the first day of exams, and left every child at this school minus a family member, a friend, a neighbour, a limb – and peace of mind.

Today they wanted to tell me – and the world - a story.

“We want to tell a story about a home with broken lanterns
About a lonely farm and about its fruits that weren’t picked
About a picnic that wasn’t enjoyed
About a baby girl that didn’t grow up
About a fire that consumed a child
About a classroom that wasn’t attended
About a wedding that wasn’t celebrated
About a football that wasn’t kicked
About a spirit that cannot be defeated
And about a stubborn flag that refuses to lie down.”

and the stubborn flag that refuses to lie down.jpg

joined with hope

determination

remembrance of their lost loved ones

to send a message to the world

to Israel

and to the orphans and widows left behind.

From white phosphorous-firing helicopters, aerial bombs and Israeli soldiers shooting children

to hearts, flowers, and happiness.

they drew their dreams.

wrote wise words.

and asked for peace.

Their message is clear.

whichever way you look at it..

Palestine will be free.

and its flag will fly as long as there is one hand left to hold it

Long live Palestine! Long live Gaza!

We will never submit!

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