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A Child's View From Gaza is a traveling exhibit of drawings and paintings created by children in the aftermath of Israel's three-week assault on Gaza in the winter of 2008-09. The pictures show what they saw and experienced, their fears and their dreams for the future. Children's Art Censored The Middle East Children's Alliance (MECA) arranged for the Oakland Museum of Children's Art (MOCHA) to host the exhibit for two months in 2011. Then the museum abruptly canceled "A Child's View From Gaza," following intense pressure from pro-Israel groups who did not want the art to be shown. But hundreds of people have seen the art at a rented storefront and thousands view it on online. Let the Children Play and Heal is a MECA supported project where most of the art was created. This project helps tens of thousands of children in Gaza cope with trauma and fear by engaging them in the arts and sports; educating mothers and teachers about children's psychological needs; providing referrals for therapy; and written information on trauma for families and communities. [above text accompanies this postcard strip] Catalogue (see last photo) available from: "A Child's View from Gaza: Palestinian Children's Art and the Fight Against Censorship" book | Middle East Children's Alliance For further information, and documentation of the alternative exhibition venue and opening events on September 23, 2011 see: MECA Opens "A Child's View From Gaza" Exhibit on Schedule at New Venue in Oakland, 9/24/11: photos & video : Indybay |
