Voices from the Conflict Favorite 

Our NGO “Voices from the Conflict” seeks to open a conversation about the Israel-Palestine conflict through the lens of activist art. The history of the conflict dates back to the UN partition plan in 1947, followed by Israel’s independence in 1948. Since then, there have been several armed engagements between the two actors- causing massive civilian casualties and terrorism. The major players in this conflict are the Israeli government, which many are accusing of human rights abuses in Gaza, and Hamas, an internationally designated terrorist organization. On October 7, Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israeli villages, kidnapping 240 civilians. This act of terror has prompted an aggressive counteroffensive by the IDF (Israeli Defence Force) in Gaza, amounting to high civilian casualties and catastrophic damage to the Gazan infrastructure. In light of this conflict, many artists have used their platforms to motivate political action, seek peace, and promote general dialogue. We chose to examine four art mediums: music, graffiti, poetry, and political posters. Each artist injects their perspective on the conflict into their art. By understanding the artists' biases, and the messages they convey through their works, viewers can talk about the conflict with less prejudice.

The music video “Prayer for the Mothers” is a call for peace, symbolized through unified Israeli and Palestinian women singing in both Hebrew and Arabic, paired with clips from the 2016 women’s March of Hope from Northern Israel to the top of the Dead Sea. Similarly, graffiti by the artist Banksy has spread messages for peaceful resolutions and Palestinian liberation throughout Israel and Palestine (primarily the West Bank). This anonymous artist’s most recognizable work is the Flower Thrower, depicting a militant throwing flowers, symbolizing love and peace, instead of bombs. Many more of his works can be recognized on the West Bank barrier, what he refers to as the Segregation Wall, depicting narratives of escape and freedom from children’s perspectives. Banksy is also the founder of the Walled Off Hotel in Bethlehem, Palestine, featuring his political art in every space and welcoming exploration of the Palestinian territories. The poems by Elana Bell and Noor Hindi reflect Palestinian and Israeli perspectives on the conflict. Bell’s poem, “Your Village,” addresses war’s collective pain and responsibility. Hindi’s poem, “Breaking [News],” gives an introspective look into the poet’s role as a reporter covering the bloody conflict. Finally, recent political-response posters include Kidnapped signs and demands for a cease-fire. These posters build upon divided narratives and motivate citizens to affect the politics of their region, in Israel and worldwide.

Collectively, these art pieces prompt a diverse dialogue on the conflict. Overarching themes among the majority of these mediums promote peace and safety in the region, while also calling attention to the realities of ongoing atrocities and the situated experiences of both communities. These works communicate the need for change, no matter which narrative such change is guided upon, and the impact this conflict has on innocent civilians on both sides of the borders. In an era where these conversations can so quickly delve into prejudice and hate, art becomes a lens for productive conversation and activism.