Letters to Gaza project: Nurturing empathy and solidarity through children’s voices

The Letters to Gaza initiative is part of a broader mission to instill a sense of global responsibility and awareness among Malaysian children.

WALA ABDUL MUIZ
WALA ABDUL MUIZ
06 Sep 2024 05:21pm
The visitors observing the letters written by children in Malaysia to children in Gaza which are on display at the Islamic Arts Museum, Open Space Gallery in Kuala Lumpur.
The visitors observing the letters written by children in Malaysia to children in Gaza which are on display at the Islamic Arts Museum, Open Space Gallery in Kuala Lumpur.
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SHAH ALAM – In a heartwarming display of compassion and unity, the Letters to Gaza project has brought together over 200 heartfelt messages from Malaysian children, each letter serving as a ray of hope for the children in Gaza.

This humanitarian effort, led by Viva Palestina Malaysia (VPM) aimed to cultivate empathy among Malaysian youths while standing in solidarity with the Palestinian cause during these challenging times.

The Letters to Gaza initiative is part of a broader mission to instill a sense of global responsibility and awareness among Malaysian children.

Through their letters, these young Malaysians have found a unique and meaningful way to extend messages of strength, hope and love to children enduring hardship in Gaza.

The project was envisioned as a platform for young voices to connect with Gazan children, letting them know that even though they are miles apart, they are not alone in their suffering.

VPM activist Puan Sri Norma Hashim who is also the organiser of the project said Letters to Gaza was born out of a need to provide a way for children in Malaysia to show support to Palestinian kids who are facing genocide in Gaza with images of atrocities committed against them shown on social media.

She said she felt that it was important for children in Malaysia to express their solidarity with those in Palestine in a safe yet impactful way.

"I reached out to children, teachers and parents through Facebook and Instagram to collect letters and I also received contributions (letters) from VPM members.

"We have collected over 200 letters from children across Malaysia. I have read them and they are incredibly heartwarming, filled with empathy for the children in Gaza," she told Sinar Daily.

Norma who is also an author said it was touching to see such genuine concern through the letters.

The letters, she said are currently on display in a special exhibition at the Islamic Arts Museum, Open Space Gallery in Kuala Lumpur until Oct 6.

"Entry is free and the museum is open every day," she said.