To commemorate the 12th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, Palestine Refugee students from four UNRWA schools in the Japan neighborhood of Khan Younis came together to participate in a series of cultural activities in solidarity with Japan. Since January, these students have engaged in a range of activities such as origami, haiku writing, kite design and making, and amigurumi sessions. The activities not only brought the students closer together but have also fostered a strong bond between the two cultures, proving the transformative power of friendship and connection during difficult times.
Do you remember making your first paper airplane or paper crane? From a simple piece of paper, a work of art is born. Origami, the ancient Japanese art of paper folding, has been around for thousands of years and has evolved with the history of Japan. Origami symbolizes sincerity, purity, and peace. It is an art form that gives Palestine refugee children an opportunity to express their creativity and experience the beauty of creation. As Salwa, the art teacher at UNRWA Alamal school in Khan Younis in the Japanese neighborhood south of the Gaza Strip, explains, “Origami teaches students that through careful decisions, passion, and patience, they can create something with a sense of permanence, despite the fragility and temporariness of life.”
As a symbol of hope and resilience, the children of Gaza crafted Sakura flowers out of origami paper, finding comfort amid an ever-changing reality in Gaza. As they fold the delicate paper and create vibrant works of art, they express their strength and courage, bringing a bit of Japan to Gaza.
Through the traditional Japanese craft of Amigurumi, Palestine Refugee students create dolls and bring them to life with individualized decorations. With the help of their coach, Areej, students craft their own works of art. “The traditional art of Amigurumi has become increasingly popular in Gaza over the past few years. I’m so proud to be able to promote solidarity between Japan and Gaza through teaching such a valued art form. I’m also delighted to receive so many requests to teach Amigurumi to the girls! By sharing this beautiful art form, we can bridge cultural differences and bring people together,” Areej says.
In celebration of Hinamatsuri, Japan’s National Day for Girls, Palestine Refugee girls joined the celebrations by inviting Japanese UNRWA staff member Miki Ushida to drink Japanese green tea and commemorate the day with them.
Also part of their solidarity activities was a Haiku writing class. Poetry has always been a powerful expression of culture and humanity. By mixing different kinds of poetry, we can create a new world of harmony and intimacy. This is particularly true for Palestine Refugee students, who learned the art of Haiku – a Japanese form of poetry which celebrates nature. Through her Haiku sessions, 13-year-old Rooa Abu Moamar, a Palestine Refugee student living in a Japanese neighborhood in the south of Gaza and studying at the UNRWA New Khan Younis Preparatory Girls’ School, has been inspired to express her feelings in an artistic way. “I dream of being a computer engineer in the future, and I like poetry; it helps me to express my feelings in an artistic way. These Haiku sessions inspire me to learn something new about Japan and use it to show our solidarity with the people of Japan.”
For the 12th commemoration of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, Palestine Refugee children in the Japanese neighborhood of Khan Younis in southern Gaza flew their kites in a display of solidarity and hope. Among them was 15-year-old Anas, who can’t wait to send his message of peace and hope to his Japanese counterparts. More than 500 other students also took part in the event, along with Ambassador of Japan for Palestinian Affairs, Mr. Yoichi Nakashima and Thomas White, Director of UNRWA Affairs in Gaza.
The children of Gaza are sending their heartfelt thanks to Japan for not only standing by them, but also for setting a positive example for the rest of the world in providing vital support for people in time of need. Japan’s steadfast commitment to those in need establishes a source of inspiration. Through this gesture of friendship and understanding, Palestine Refugee children sent a special message to Japan: that hope, and peace will always prevail.