Young Musicians in Gaza Bring Hope Singing and Playing Amid War Ruins

Post by : Priya

  Photo:Reuters

In the midst of devastation and fear, an extraordinary story of resilience and hope is unfolding in Gaza. Despite relentless conflict and the ruins left by war, young musicians are continuing to sing and play music—beacons of light shining through the darkest moments. Their stories are about courage, healing, and the power of art to sustain the human spirit even amid crisis.

The Sound of Music in the Shadow of War

Gaza City, once vibrant with life, now bears the scars of prolonged conflict. Buildings lie shattered, streets are strewn with rubble, and daily life is marked by loss and uncertainty. But amid this harsh reality, the sounds of melodies rise from makeshift classrooms and tents devised by brave teachers and students determined to keep music alive.

One such place is a temporary shelter where young students gather under plastic sheets. Here, instruments like the oud, guitar, violin, and drums echo against a backdrop of broken walls and shattered glass. These instruments, some damaged and others painstakingly repaired or even homemade from cans and containers, carry with them the dreams of children who refuse to surrender to despair.

Fifteen-year-old Rifan al-Qassas, a young girl who started oud lessons at age nine, captures the spirit of this movement. “When I play, it feels like I’m soaring,” she says. “Music brings me hope and helps me forget my fears, even for a little while.” Her dream is simple yet powerful—to perform internationally and share her story through song. Like many of her peers, music gives her a sense of freedom where daily life offers so few.

Music as a Path to Healing

The importance of music in Gaza today goes far beyond art or entertainment. It serves as a vital form of psychological healing for children and families traumatized by violence and loss. Teachers like Mohammed Abu Mahadi and guitar and violin instructor Ahmed Amsha work tirelessly in difficult conditions to provide lessons, often traveling across makeshift camps and tents to reach their students.

Abu Mahadi explains, “What I do here is bring joy to children through music because it is one of the best ways to express emotions.” His commitment to keeping the spirit alive is echoed by other educators continuing to teach despite the destruction of their schools and facilities. The Edward Said National Conservatory of Music, once a thriving institution, has seen its premises reduced to rubble by airstrikes. Yet its teachers and students persevere, reclaiming spaces wherever possible.

Music therapy experts observe that for children living through conflict, music offers more than distraction—it provides a safe space for emotional expression and connection. Elizabeth Coombes from the University of South Wales highlights that music "can help young people cope with trauma and stress while reinforcing a sense of belonging." In Gaza, where normalcy is shattered, music acts as a bridge to resilience.

Preserving Culture and Identity Amid Displacement

Gaza’s musicians also play to safeguard cultural heritage and identity at a time when both are under threat. The songs and rhythms they perform carry stories of history, loss, and the Palestinian struggle—generations of displacement since 1948 weigh heavily in their lyrics.

A poignant example is a boy’s song heard in a recent class: “No fig leaf will wither inside us,” a phrase that speaks to enduring hope despite hardship. This symbolism resonates deeply across a community that has survived multiple cycles of violence.

The conservatory and other cultural institutions have long nurtured talents blending Arabic and Western musical traditions. Some outstanding students have traveled for performances with the Palestine Orchestra, an international group representing Palestinian culture. But with ongoing conflict, such opportunities have largely vanished, making local music classes even more critical as they preserve continuity and inspire future generations.

Challenges and Courage in Daily Life

The realities facing Gaza’s musicians extend far beyond their music. They contend with food shortages, damaged homes, lack of medical care, and constant fear of renewed attacks. Many students arrive to lessons hungry or tired from displacement.

Ismail Daoud, an oud instructor, describes the war’s toll on creativity: “The harsh conditions force people to focus only on survival. Reconnecting with art is both an escape and a reminder of our humanity.” He calls music a “beacon of hope” that sustains children and communities through the darkest hours.

Teachers have improvised solutions to shortages of instruments and space, building percussion from recycled materials and holding classes outdoors or in damaged buildings. Despite the hardships, over 600 students are learning and playing music in Gaza's most recent efforts to restore normalcy and joy.

The Global Context and Call for Support

The plight of Gaza’s young musicians unfolds against a backdrop of complex and deeply rooted conflict. Since October 2023, following Hamas attacks, Israeli military operations have severely impacted Gaza’s population, with thousands of casualties and widespread destruction.

This ongoing crisis highlights the importance of humanitarian aid, including support for cultural and psychological recovery. International observers and human rights advocates urge safe access for aid agencies and call for ceasefires that can halt the devastation.

Artistic expressions from Gaza also echo globally, as musicians and activists worldwide raise voices in solidarity, demanding peace and justice. Groups like Massive Attack have publicly supported Palestinian artists facing censorship and legal pressures for speaking out about the crisis.

Music’s Unyielding Spirit

In Gaza, the young musicians’ melodies are not just notes—they are messages of defiance, hope, and unbroken spirit. Despite the scars of war and the uncertainty of their future, these children and teachers remind us that music is a powerful force for healing and resistance.

Their determination to keep playing and singing honors the resilience of a people who refuse to be silenced. It affirms the timeless truth that even amid destruction, human creativity and hope endure.