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Fundraising initiatives and activities in support of the Palestinian people are being staged by illustrators, accessory designers and yoga teachers at events across the kingdom and on social media.
As tensions rose around the world over the atrocities occurring in Palestine, creatives from all artistic backgrounds used their skill sets to express their emotions and draw attention to the situation.
Bahraini graphic designer and illustrator Reem Al-Hajri, who has raised funds for both Lebanon and Australia through the auctioning and sale of her artwork, now aims to back the Palestinians through the sale of her printed T-shirts.
“I created this digital artwork on a T-shirt because the more that people wear it, the more it will be seen, spreading the message and raising awareness,” said the 34-year-old from Muharraq. “Twenty per cent of the profits made by the sale of the T-shirts will go to Save the Children humanitarian organisation and 80 per cent will be donated to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF).”
The digital drawing, that is available on white, vintage off-white, green and red T-shirts, was inspired by a Palestinian woman who planted a garden full of flowers inside tear-gas grenade canisters.
“I wanted to celebrate Palestine’s resilience and spirit through this digital drawing and I was moved by this Palestinian woman,” explained Reem. “I created the visuals combining the flower grenade pot with olive branches to symbolise the resilience for good and peace.”
The T-shirts will be delivered at the end of May which is when her campaign will be completed. People can contact Reem by messaging her @rebelreasonrhyme.art on Instagram.
Reem added: “I hope this also encourages people to keep sharing news about Palestine and to continue being their voice. Every little thing we give, do and share makes a difference.”
Meanwhile, Marwa Ali Ahmed has been creating brooches boasting Palestine’s most iconic landmark to raise funds.
The 29-year-old Bahraini from Jid-Ali, who is a former architect and embroidery artists that founded the Thread Architect Crafts brand on Instagram, designed a brooch based on the Qubbat aṣ-Ṣakhr mosque known as the Dome of the Rock.
It is one of the oldest extant works of Islamic architecture, and an Islamic shrine located on the Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
“A month before the Sheikh Jarrah attack, I had a nightmare about Israel that never left my memory,” said the stay-at-home mum who is passionate about embroidery and has been creating brooches since August 2020.
“After witnessing all those cruel scenes against people and children, my hands couldn’t stay still. I thought of creating a brooch based on the iconic mosque which deeply showcased Palestine’s culture and soul using threads and glass beads.”
It took her four days to create the brooch and then her concept took off on Instagram. A percentage of the profits will be dedicated to Palestinian charities.
“We cannot stay silent anymore,” she added. “We can help our Palestinian brothers and sisters in the simplest of ways. I chose threads and beads while others chose a painting brush, a tablet pen or words. Just don’t bury your emotions in your heart; this is a case of humanity!”
Her first batch of orders is currently being completed and she has a waiting list for more to be done. For enquiries, people can contact Marwa @threadarchitect on Instagram.
Bahraini Hajar Bushehri also chose threads to showcase her support. The 22-year-old personal trainer who is also a fitness coach for individuals with autism has been designing handmade friendship bracelets and anklets in the colours of the Palestinian flag to raise awareness and funds.
“I knew I wanted to do something to help, but I wanted a bit more than donating on my own,” said Hajar from Barbar. “So I thought a bracelet set would be perfect, as it is something people could wear proudly. The set itself comes with two bracelets but can also be bought separately.
“I hope to motivate people to donate and move forward with this cause in any way that they can, as any contribution will make a difference; especially in this time where Palestine needs it the most. I hope at the very least it sparks a conversation about the current situation.”
It can take around 15 minutes to 60 minutes to create depending on the design and thickness of the bracelet. All proceeds will go towards PCRF which provides medical and humanitarian aid to injured and sick children in Gaza.
“I am really pleased with the public’s reaction to my bracelets so far. Everyone has been very supportive and it’s nice to see other Bahrainis creating their own initiatives as well in regard to Palestine. We can all play an active role in making a difference in our own way. Any action is a step forward.”
For details on the Palestine set, follow her account @vibrant.bh on Instagram.
Bahraini yoga teacher Weam Zabar who recently held an online meditative dance initiative to support India, is back at it again with her focus on Palestine. “Standing idle is too painful,” she said.
The 37-year-old Namaste founder and her teachers are holding an array of yoga classes every Friday until June 25 and all the proceeds will be donated to the PCRF.
To book or make a donation, visit https://pcrf1.z2systems.com/np/clients/pcrf1/login.jsp and email a screen shot to info@namastebh.com or DM it to @namastebh on Instagram.
