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The Wire
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Wire
The Art of Grief, Violence, Death and a Genocide
Menu हिंदी తెలుగు اردو Home Politics Economy World Security Law Science Society Culture Editor's Pick Opinion Support independent journalism. Donate Now Top Stories The Art of Grief, Violence, Death and a Genocide Pariplab Chakraborty 14 minutes ago Curated by Amit Mukhopadhyay and organised by SAHMAT, 'The Body Called Palestine' is an ongoing exhibition at Jawahar Bhawan, New Delhi. It features digital prints of Palestinian artists' works along with works from artists worldwide in solidarity with the Palestinian people. Sliman Mansour's work at the exhibition 'The Body Called Palestine'. Photo: Pariplab Chakraborty. Real journalism holds power accountable Since 2015, The Wire has done just that. But we can continue only with your support. Contribute now 'Here, where the hills slope before the sunset and the chasm of time near gardens whose shades have been cast aside we do what prisoners do we do what the jobless do we sow hope…' – Mahmoud Darwish, A State of Siege, 2002 Palestinian art, by existing, challenges the very foundation of Israeli-settler colonialism. Every occupation tries to destroy the idea of the people they occupy and in order to accomplish that, it inflicts violence on the occupied bodies. It tries to obliterate memories, truths and traces of genocidal violence. But can it omit the idea of the people resisting the occupation and defending their own land? Curated by Amit Mukhopadhyay and organised by SAHMAT, 'The Body Called Palestine' is an ongoing exhibition at Jawahar Bhawan, New Delhi. It features digital prints of Palestinian artists' works along with works from artists worldwide in solidarity with the Palestinian people. Primarily, the exhibition seeks to remember. It is an attempt to challenge our 'monocular vision' of seeing and to engage with a new artistic language that stems from Palestinian artists across fields who are living under and resisting a genocidal regime. 'The Body Called Palestine' showcases works of Palestinian artists and their expressions of living under a never ending system of occupation, ethnic cleansing, everyday violence and utter dehumanisation. It witnesses alienation, loss, grief, and anger. Malak Mattar, a young Palestinian artist, grew up in the Gaza strip witnessing occupation and military siege. She had created a series of monochrome and grayscale drawings and paintings – documenting the genocide in her homeland – during a residency programme. She later combined all of those images into this monumental grayscale painting titled 'No Words… (For Gaza)'. This work explicitly tells the horrors and devastation of occupation and a vicious cycle of displacement and ethnic cleansing of the people of Palestine. While working on this painting she said 'It needs to be completely horrific,' 'otherwise it will not accurately reflect the genocide.' Malak Mattar's 'No Words…(For Gaza)'. Photo: Pariplab Chakraborty. Malak Mattar's art. Photo: Pariplab Chakraborty. Maisara Baroud is a Palestinian artist from Gaza city. As a witness, his works evoke a sense of the unfathomable and the familiar, both. It is like a never-ending blur between the blacks and whites, like a nauseating fever – akin to the experience of a relentless cycle of atrocities. 'He consistently highlights topics such as war, immigration, political prisoners, illegal arrests, and occupation. Baroud's works reflect dramatic and tragic scenes, dominated by grief, death, violence, peace, hope, and freedom. His art mirrors how life is intertwined with a fresh, continuous scent of death that never seems to fade.' the artist's statement reads. Maisara Baroud's 'The Artistic Diary of Maisara Baroud'. Photo: Pariplab Chakraborty. The artworks show resilient acts of recording, embedded in personal and political experiences, ensuring that the grand sweep of historical injustice and the records of deafening silence from those in power are not erased. Digital prints of noted Palestinian artist and art historian Vera Tamari's works are also on display in the exhibition. Vera was only three years old during the first Nakba in 1948. She grew up seeing a perpetual state of occupation, war and violence inflicted upon the Palestinian lives. Her vast body of ceramic, sculpture and installation works intensively talk about seeing the Palestinian reality up front and with its innumerable layers of memories, the undaunting resilience Palestinian identity and its cultural heritage. Vera Tamari's 'Palestinian Women at Work' (ceramic relief). Photo: Pariplab Chakraborty. The exhibition also featured an excerpt of a presentation by Vera Tamari along with the digital prints of her works. Presented originally in a conference titled 'Art and War', organised by the Goethe Institute in Ramallah, in November 2004, it goes like this: Going for a Ride? (Installation, 2002) Cars are powerful icons in our society. Other than being urban household commodities, cars have become a metaphor of daily life. These inanimate objects even carry an emotional significance for most people. Not for me; I never owned a car nor learnt to drive one, but seeing my friend Liza's Volkswagen Beetle as I peeked from behind the shutters of my window one morning made me shudder. That quaint red car in which we often rode, was visibly smashed. It was lying on its hood wheels up, almost like a dead real beetle. In Going for a Ride? those inanimate objects, symbols of well-being, status, and freedom have in an act of vindictive violence, perpetrated by the Israeli military tanks in the 2002 invasion of Ramallah, taken on a new reality. They metamorphosed from once practical objects to become subjects of vengeful voodooism. Do we hurt the Palestinians more by destroying their cherished personal belongings? My idea in making this installation was not to merely to fashion junk as an art form or an anti-gesture as advocated by Nouveau Realiste or Dada artists such as Marcel Duchamp and Cesare in their crashed car compositions. Both artists challenged the conventional notion of art as an aesthetic exercise. I simply wanted to make a statement about how a mundane logical reality becomes totally illogical through the violence of the war machine. It is hard to see my installation of smashed cars as not carrying a political meaning. Seven hundred private and public cars were smashed in the military incursion of Ramallah alone. I wanted to give those cars a voice – an ironic reflection on the unnecessary nature of violence whose authors were the Israeli occupation forces. This act of destruction became like action art disturbing the status quo of matters. The soldiers in this case have become the artist creators. The soldiers the viewers. The soldiers as re-creators. The installation piece kept changing. It had a new energy each time – more violent than the previous one. I was merely the curator. Basma Al Sharif's work. Photo: Pariplab Chakraborty. Basma Alsharif is an artist and filmmaker of Palestine heritage. A series of Basma's six photographs are on display in this exhibition. Her works explore the cyclical political histories and confront the 'legacy of colonisation with satire, doubt and hope'. SAHMAT's continued solidarity with the Palestinian people finds a vivid expression in this exhibition, where, as the curator articulates 'the response to the Palestine question across the world has become a unifying force that creates new solidarities as an antidote to the atomising effects of a military-industrial complex'. 'The Body Called Palestine' aims to remember the history and presence of Israeli settler colonialism and its genocidal military offence as it is. This is valuable at a time when the larger mediascape peddles false narratives without any accountability and often erects a smokescreen of half-truths and lies, that help those in power obfuscate historical facts and cultivate public apathy. Aban Raza, a Delhi-based artist who also co-curated an art exhibition in solidarity with Palestine last year titled 'Fida-e-Filistine' and organised by SAHMAT, says, 'This exhibition is a testament to artists' solidarity from around the world with the Palestinian struggle and our collective resistance, despite all odds and silencing.' Labani Jangi's 'Even after a genocide, the rising moon doesn't burn our eyes'. Photo: Pariplab Chakraborty. This watercolour painting by artist and scholar Labani Jangi from Nadia, West Bengal, explores the difference in her perception of the moon between her childhood and the present, where there's a full scale massacre of Palestinian lives happening in every passing day. 'The moon that once used to bring Eid, festivals or fantastic stories from Naani now stands still – in silence like a representative of those who can afford to dwell in apathy. Those who remain silent even after seeing a genocide in front of their eyes – drenched in the propagandas of fascist regimes,' says Labani. The exhibition is on view until May 31, from 9.30 am to 7 pm at Jawahar Bhawan, New Delhi. Make a contribution to Independent Journalism Related News Why Israel's New Aid Delivery System for Gaza Is Sparking Outrage Concerns Expressed Over Gaza Situation, Modi Government Accused of 'Assisting Genocide' 'This Genocide Implicates Us All': 380 Writers, Organisations Call on Israel to Cease Fire in Gaza Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: Families Forced to the Shore Amid Escalating Conflict For Your Own Sake, Please Care for Palestine From Colonial Loot to Cultural Genocide at the British Museum What the 'Cauliflower' in BJP Karnataka's X Post Means Judge's Order Frees Indian Scholar Detained in US Over Support for Palestine 'We've Killed So Many Children – It's Hard to Argue with That': Tel Aviv Protesters in Silent Vigil About Us Contact Us Support Us © Copyright. All Rights Reserved.
Khaleej Times
13-04-2025
- Politics
- Khaleej Times
UAE delegation led by Sharjah Deputy Ruler visits Palestinian refugee camp in Jordan
A delegation from the UAE, led by Sharjah Deputy Ruler Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, visited the Marka refugee camp in Jordan where over 70,000 Palestinian refugees are currently living. The delegation highlighted the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address the escalating humanitarian crisis faced by Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, and called for implementing sustainable development projects in health, education, and food security to provide essential life resource. 'The Palestinian people have endured decades of displacement and now face severe humanitarian suffering in Gaza as a result of the ongoing war, which has dismantled their social and institutional structures and deprived them of basic human rights, including access to education and healthcare,' the Sharjah Deputy Ruler said. 'Therefore, our humanitarian efforts must go beyond immediate relief to include sustainable projects that support current and future generations through health and education.' Al Qasimi added that humanitarian work is a religious and moral obligation, and a right of the vulnerable and the needy. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. His visit came alongside the the ongoing 'For Gaza' campaign, launched by Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi during Ramadan, to provide comprehensive support for more than 20,000 orphaned children in Gaza. Last month, The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF) announced the launch of the campaign in partnership with Palestine-based Taawon Foundation to provide long-term care and essential services for orphaned children in the city. Food scarcity The delegation comprising representatives from TBHF, government entities, and private sector companies visited a food security project led by the humanitarian organization ANERA, which supports refugees and conflict-affected populations in Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. The initiative empowers refugee communities to produce food through farms and greenhouses, enabling year-round agricultural output. This model aims to strengthen self-reliance among refugees and lessen dependence on external assistance. Food scarcity is regarded as one of the fastest-escalating humanitarian crises, with immediate and profound impacts on communities during periods of conflict, instability, or natural disasters. The programme also included a visit to the Marka Girls' Preparatory School, operated by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). Sheikh Sultan also met with members of the student parliament from Marka Camp who shared their educational experiences and the challenges they face. He toured classrooms, engaged with teaching staff, and reviewed the school's development plans and the camp's future educational requirements. He also met with representatives of the Tawoon Foundation where they discussed strategies for rapid response to essential needs and plans to provide critical services across key sectors. The Tawoon Board of Directors briefed the group about the Noor program for orphan care, launched in the Gaza Strip, where the number of children orphaned by the war has exceeded 39,000. The delegation also heard a series of recorded and live contributions from program staff based in Gaza and Egypt. The visit concluded with a debriefing session involving the accompanying delegation to review the outcomes and examine best practices in humanitarian work within Jordan's refugee camps. The discussion also addressed how these models could be adapted and applied to support refugees and displaced persons within the occupied Palestinian territories. His Highness underscored the importance of developing humanitarian programs and initiatives that respond effectively to the unprecedented challenges facing the region.
Gulf Today
20-03-2025
- General
- Gulf Today
Sharjah's Big Heart calls for helping 20,000 orphan children in Gaza
The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF) has launched a renewed call to action, urging individuals and institutions to unite efforts for the 'For Gaza' campaign. In partnership with the Palestinian Taawon Welfare Association, the initiative provides long-term support for over 20,000 orphaned children in Gaza, ensuring access to education, healthcare, psychological aid, and essential needs. This message was reinforced at a charity Suhoor held on Monday evening at the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park, bringing together philanthropists, business leaders, and humanitarian organisations to mobilise resources and advocate for sustained support. A panel discussion under way. The event featured panel discussions and keynote speeches highlighting the power of collaborative action in addressing the crisis. An art exhibition by University of Sharjah students further strengthened the campaign, raising Dhs90,000 to support Gaza's orphaned children. Goodness never stops, and solidarity remains unbreakable The Suhoor began with a speech by Alya Obaid Al Musaiebi, Director of TBHF, who highlighted that the "Salam Ya Seghar" campaign, launched 17 years ago, was the first initiative introduced by Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of TBHF. This campaign laid the foundation for a lasting humanitarian commitment to Palestinian children: "Today, this commitment remains strong, reflected in real, tangible actions that restore hope to every child who has lost their family and dreams amidst the devastation of war and suffering." An art exhibition by University of Sharjah students raised Dhs90,000 for Gaza's children. Al Musaiebi added: "What distinguishes TBHF is its policy of not deducting administrative fees from donations or Zakat funds. We believe that every dirham contributed by generous donors should reach those in need in its entirety... We firmly believe that every contribution, no matter how modest, carries within it the promise of a new beginning for a child awaiting a glimmer of hope. More importantly, it sends a powerful message to the world that, as individuals and institutions, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most." Effective Development and Humanitarian Programmes: On his part, Dr Tareq Emtairah, Director General of Taawon Welfare Association, highlighted the organisation's vital role in implementing these initiatives in Gaza and ensuring that donations reach beneficiaries efficiently and transparently. He stressed that the partnership with TBHF serves as a leading model for unifying humanitarian efforts to create a sustainable and meaningful impact in supporting orphans in Gaza. 5 He said: "Drawing on our extensive experience in implementing effective development and humanitarian programmes, we at Taawon have developed the 'Noor' programme, a comprehensive initiative to support orphans in Gaza, which builds on our past experiences with the 'Wajd' and 'Mustaqbali' initiatives in 2009 and 2014." Strong collaboration to support humanitarian efforts: The event welcomed Hind Al Huwaidi, Chief Development Officer at BEEAH Group, who highlighted the strategic role of the private sector in supporting humanitarian efforts and ensuring the sustainability of development initiatives. She emphasised that collaboration between charitable organisations and businesses serves as an effective model for unifying efforts and expanding impact, ultimately contributing to sustainable community development and a stronger response to the most pressing humanitarian needs. Panel discussion highlights the campaign and donation options As part of the charity Suhoor, TBHF organised a panel discussion titled 'For Gaza: Towards a Sustainable Future.' The session featured Mariam Al Sarkal, Head of Partnerships at TBHF, and the Director-General of Taawon, moderated by Tarek Sakik, content creator and founder of the Takhayaal podcast. The discussion explored the role of the For Gaza campaign in supporting orphans in Gaza and the mechanisms for efficiently and transparently distributing donations. It also reaffirmed the campaign's long-term commitment to orphan care while emphasising the importance of partnering with Taawon to implement support programmes effectively. Donation channels and options The For Gaza campaign offers various donation options, allowing individuals and companies to support orphans in Gaza. One month of sponsorship is available for Dhs625, one year sponsorship for Dhs7,500, a five-year sponsorship for Dhs37,500, and a ten-year sponsorship for Dhs75,000. Additionally, the campaign includes the Eid Clothing Initiative, enabling donors to bring joy to orphaned children by contributing Dhs200. To facilitate participation, the campaign provides several donation channels, including bank transfers via Sharjah Islamic Bank (Account: 0011-430430-002), cheque payments to The Big Heart Foundation headquarters, cash donations at TBHF offices, online contributions via or SMS donations or via +971505350152.
Dubai Eye
20-03-2025
- General
- Dubai Eye
Sharjah foundation calls on community to support 20,000 orphans in Gaza
A campaign by Sharjah non-profit The Big Heart Foundation is aiming to provide long-term support for over 20,000 orphaned children in Gaza. The 'For Gaza' initiative will ensure children have access to education, healthcare, psychological aid and essential needs until they reach 18 years of age. It will be run in partnership with the Palestinian Taawon Welfare Association to directly deliver aid to those in need. Launched in February, the campaign will collect Zakat and charitable donations during the Holy Month of Ramadan. Donations can range between AED 625 to AED 75,000. A donation of $167 (approximately AED 625) supports one orphan for a month, while $2,000 (approximately AED 7,500) sponsors an orphan for a year. A contribution of $10,000 (approximately AED 37,500) provides care and support for an orphan for five years, whereas $20,000 (approximately AED 75,000) secures the care and well-being of an orphan for 10 years. Alya Obaid Al Musaiebi, Director of TBHF, emphasised that every donation, no matter the amount, can impact the lives of children in Gaza. Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF), emphasised that uniting communities to save children affected by war is not merely a passing act of kindness or temporary aid. Rather, it is an investment in humanity's shared future. "Children who endure the severe horrors and atrocities of war will carry lasting scars that may never fade. "This is where the world must step in—not only to provide material aid but to counter these traumatic memories with love, care, and protection, demonstrating to them that there are people who will never abandon them." Contributions can be made through bank transfers via Sharjah Islamic Bank (Account: 0011-430430-002), cheque payments to The Big Heart Foundation headquarters, cash donations at TBHF offices, online contributions, or SMS donations via +971505350152.
ARN News Center
20-03-2025
- General
- ARN News Center
Sharjah foundation calls on community to support 20,000 orphans in Gaza
A campaign by Sharjah non-profit The Big Heart Foundation is aiming to provide long-term support for over 20,000 orphaned children in Gaza. The 'For Gaza' initiative will ensure children have access to education, healthcare, psychological aid and essential needs until they reach 18 years of age. It will be run in partnership with the Palestinian Taawon Welfare Association to directly deliver aid to those in need. Launched in February, the campaign will collect Zakat and charitable donations during the Holy Month of Ramadan. Donations can range between AED 625 to AED 75,000. A donation of $167 (approximately AED 625) supports one orphan for a month, while $2,000 (approximately AED 7,500) sponsors an orphan for a year. A contribution of $10,000 (approximately AED 37,500) provides care and support for an orphan for five years, whereas $20,000 (approximately AED 75,000) secures the care and well-being of an orphan for 10 years. Alya Obaid Al Musaiebi, Director of TBHF, emphasised that every donation, no matter the amount, can impact the lives of children in Gaza. Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF), emphasised that uniting communities to save children affected by war is not merely a passing act of kindness or temporary aid. Rather, it is an investment in humanity's shared future. "Children who endure the severe horrors and atrocities of war will carry lasting scars that may never fade. "This is where the world must step in—not only to provide material aid but to counter these traumatic memories with love, care, and protection, demonstrating to them that there are people who will never abandon them." Contributions can be made through bank transfers via Sharjah Islamic Bank (Account: 0011-430430-002), cheque payments to The Big Heart Foundation headquarters, cash donations at TBHF offices, online contributions, or SMS donations via +971505350152.
