Raising awareness for hostages through art
“Some are the same age as me. I really am hoping for peace and that the hostages will be returned to their families soon..."
Emanuel School students in years 5-8 joined thousands of other children across the globe in an art initiative to raise awareness for the estimated 30 children who were kidnapped into Gaza.
The project was spearheaded by Rakia Mission, ISRAEL-IS, and Drea.me, who aim to weave the artwork into an animated collage which will be shared across social media and projected in various prominent locations worldwide.
An exhibition in Times Square is scheduled for the beginning of next week. The students’ illustrations depict their dreams, pastimes, and aspirations, highlighting their individuality and underscoring the fundamental right to childhood. Each student included the name of a young hostage in their artwork.
Year 6 student Ethan Likht drew the Israeli flag in the centre of his artwork.
“When I was drawing I was thinking about Israel and the hostages,” he said. “Some are the same age as me. I really am hoping for peace and that the hostages will be returned to their families soon. I want them to know that it’s going to be okay.”
Emanuel School principal Andrew Watt said, “When we received the invitation to participate in this meaningful project we understood the importance of our students’ responses. The use of art as a safe expression of one’s feelings is evident, and we know that this important project has been cathartic for students and teachers alike.”
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