Press Office at Tuesday’s Child

Children’s voices strike common chord across Gaza strip

“Let the children alone.” Matt 19:14

DATE       Monday 11th January 2010

Party girl,  Beit Hanoun, Gaza

An Irish charity hosted three children’s parties across the Gaza strip this week.

Approximately 1600 children attended open air parties in three venues in Beit Hanoun, Mussader and Zeitoun.

While Gaza is gripped in the fear of another war, the strip rocked with children voices and smiling faces beamed all around.

Every child enjoyed a feast of music, dancing, face-painting, clowns, sing-songs, swings and roundabouts and party games. Some children sang songs, some performed their own dance routines, some expressed themselves through pictures.  All children shared a common voice, one of peace and freedom.

	Marhaba from children of Mussader, Gaza

The charity planned for 400 children at each party, however news spread rapidly through each area and the sound of music called the children out to play.

Children were also presented with gifts purchased by people at home in Ireland, North and South, prior to Tuesday’s child’s trip to Gaza and every child received a lunch and a carton of juice.

“Each of these parties has been fantastic, said Tuesday’s Child, “a huge thanks to everyone who helped make them happen. We always travel with a toy and sweet factory in tow so while many more children attended than expected, every child was welcomed and no child was overlooked”.

All of the children learned a new song familiar to any child who has ever attended an Irish summer camp “Everywhere we go, people always ask us, who we are, where do we come from, and we always tell them, we’re from Gaza, lovely lovely Gaza, and if they don’t hear us, we shout a little louder…”

Speaking at the party in Zeitoun, a Tuesday’s Child representative said, “It is wonderful to see so many children here today doing what children do best, having fun.

Children’s voices ring out across Gaza, Zeitoun, Gaza

Last year, Operation Cast Lead claimed the lives of the same number of children that are gathered here today and the evil of the assault hits home”.

The message from children accross Gaza is clear. Every child should be cherished and safe. Let the children of Palestine alone. We are children so let us be children.

“Children account for 54 percent of the population of Gaza, yet they have no vote. Today is about letting them express themselves and giving them a voice.” said Tuesday’s Child. “Every child is entitled to peace, freedom and justice. The collective punishment of the children of Palestine has to stop”.

For further details please contact Orla Sheehan on 07545 452362 or email orla@tuesdayschild.org.uk

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