Lifting Spirits: Chicago Honors Gaza’s Children
In memory of over 300 Palestinian children killed during Israel’s deadly assault on Gaza from December 27, 2008 – January 18, 2009, there was a mass release of balloons in Chicago organized by the Chicago Movement for Palestinian Rights (CMPR). Each balloon had a tag made of flower-seed paper with the name and age of a Palestinian child who was killed during the invasion; wherever the balloons land, a beautiful flower will grow.
Not only did we honor the children who were martyred during Operation Cast Lead, but we honored the resilience and steadfastness of the children who live under brutal siege and occupation. This event was a reminder that Gaza’s martyrs are not a number, but human beings who had dreams, ambitions and stories to tell. Overall, this was a powerful way to end the year of 2011. May 2012 bring an end to the siege and a free Palestine!
