Music Classes Resume in Gaza as Children and Teachers Strive to Keep Hope Alive Amid Destruction
Gaza may lie in ruins, but in the midst of ash, rubble, and heartbreak, music refuses to die. From shattered tents and bombed-out streets, faint melodies rise — the resilient heartbeat of children and teachers who refuse to surrender to war.
Once a thriving conservatory, established in the West Bank and revived in Gaza 13 years ago, it taught classical, Western, and local music. Its students performed abroad with the Palestine Youth Orchestra, proving that even conflict zones could nurture brilliance.
Everything changed on October 7, 2023, when war descended on Gaza. Classrooms were destroyed, instruments smashed, and dreams shattered. Among the innocent lost was 14-year-old Lubna Alian, a gifted violinist. Yet, amidst devastation, surviving instruments whisper stories of hope.
Under makeshift shelters, children clutch ouds, flutes, and guitars. Youssef Saad, learning the Arabic oud, says, “I want to teach children music so they can find beauty even in this destruction.” Fawad Khader, who organizes the classes, and violin teacher Hamada Al-Khroubi describe how playing music feels like stitching wounds back together.
In January, Ahmed Abu Amsha returned to northern Gaza to restart classes. Despite hunger, exhaustion, and shattered buildings, young musicians persevere. Twenty-year-old Sarah Al-Sweiriki admits, “Sometimes the hunger is unbearable, but the pull of music keeps me coming back.”
Every note played is a declaration: even in death’s silence, life’s melody endures. The songs that float from these tents — like “No fig leaf will wither among us” — are not just music. They are resistance, hope, and the undying spirit of Gaza’s children.
