Young Palestinians face a difficult daily life. Witnesses to the horrors of war and destruction, they also endure the economic hardships faced by their families and the social crises that arise from them. To help these children, many cultural and artistic institutions strive to create spaces of joy and hope, in Gaza and the West Bank.
The Grass Cultural Center, affiliated with the Arab Society for Rehabilitation in Bethlehem, a hospital specialized in rehabilitation programs, has found that music can be a powerful tool to help Palestinian children transition from psychological pressure to spaces of hope, joy, and pleasure.
That is why "Grass Buds" was launched, a music program aimed at children aged 6 to 16, in collaboration with "Musicians Without Borders." This project offers music lessons to 45 children, twice a week. Each child receives singing lessons in the choir as well as instrumental music, creating a safe space for their personal expression through music.
A refuge for children
During lessons, children learn to play the oud, violin, and percussion, while developing skills in collective musical creation, singing, and breathing. In parallel, they participate weekly in sessions led by a social worker from the center, who helps them improve their social and emotional skills. Themes such as bullying are addressed.
The youth are exposed to a range of music from traditional Palestinian melodies to multicultural compositions. They participate in various activities such as circus performances and sports events, allowing them to explore the disciplines that attract them the most.
The Grass Center also offers various services supervised by specialists in psychological, musical, and vocal fields. It thus becomes a place of emotional release, creativity, and personal development, laying the groundwork for a future generation of young artists. Additionally, weekly sessions on how to interact with children are offered to the mothers of students, enabling them to better understand their children's psychological needs and to address the emotional or behavioral challenges they may face. Music classes led by professional teachers are also available to them.
A program designed to heal and build
Abeer Sansour, an artist from Bethlehem, explains: “My responsibility is to ensure that every Palestinian child has the right to sing and live like children everywhere in the world.” She adds that “music refines the soul through singing and reinforces the idea that every child should be able to learn to express themselves.”
Experience shows that children who have received musical and vocal training are better able to express their problems and their identity, especially when they have witnessed violence—whether through the media or during confrontations with Israeli military forces and settlers. These experiences deeply affect their mental health.
“ The center aims to address these negative effects through music and singing, used as tools for emotional release to revitalize the children's positive energy and rid them of negativity,” she specifies. The work is structured into group sessions and individual sessions. “We believe it is crucial to be alongside the children to modify their negative behaviors through musical training and social sessions,” explains Abeer Sansour. She adds: “We work with them as if we are one big family, so they feel Grass is their second home.”
After familiarization and social assessment, children are divided into three levels according to their skills. A necessary step, the social assessment relies on open discussion sessions allowing children to express their personalities, concerns, and worries. The goal is to simplify their lives, lighten their burdens, and help them adopt music as a tool for self-expression. Classes can then begin, and the choice of repertoire is important.
“We emphasize traditional and cultural music to strengthen their connection with their community through art and music, before expanding learning to other instruments,” indicates the musician and composer.
Partnerships with Musical Institutions
Fabian van Eijk, the musical program director and conductor at the Grass Cultural Center, works with "Musicians Without Borders" and "Voices of Palestine."
“I see the children striving to learn as much as possible. And once they master their instruments, they play from the heart.” She also emphasizes: “Children of different ages come together like a family, each taking on a role: the older ones help the younger or beginner ones, creating an environment where mutual understanding prevails over that of adults.” Fully aware of the emotional wounds that children carry, she has observed that “music becomes a means for them to express their inner feelings and reflect their pains.” Traumas vary depending on whether they come from refugee camps, villages, or Bethlehem.
The training covers several instruments: violin, oud, qanun, percussion, and singing classes taught by Abir Sansour. Van Eijk is convinced: “Music will help children in their future lives, teaching them discipline and inspiring them to love what they do.” This dynamic produces positive results and also gives children the opportunity to take on responsibilities.
The voice of Children
The children themselves testify to their happiness in participating in music classes. Sarah Hwamdeh, 11 years old, explains: “I have been part of several programs for five years. I chose music, especially traditional music. Now, I am more confident and can perform in front of an audience.” She adds that she has learned Palestinian songs that have strengthened her sense of belonging to her land and deepened her understanding of Palestinian history and heritage. “Through my singing and music, I have learned to send a message to the world, proudly and confidently.”
Adam Rahal, also 11 years old, shares that music has helped him become calmer, more disciplined, and socially engaged. “I joined the center at the age of six, thanks to my love for music, and it changed my life. They helped me discover my love for music and Palestinian heritage songs. And to share our culture with the world.”
And the young Palestinian concludes: “Now, I am part of an artistic group. We meet at the center after school to express ourselves through songs. Grass is our second home after our family home and school.”
Cover Photo: Fabian van Eijk conducts the group of children during a music rehearsal © Ahmad Jubran