Colors for hope in Gaza

Mais (20) and her father live in the Zaytoun neighbourhood, downtown in Gaza city, and next to Shujaiyya,  an area that got bombed to bits and pieces in the war for two years ago. A war that literally traumatised 1.8 million people. 

Most of the streets in Gaza are grey, but Mais and her father are amongst the people that have contributed to make their street colourful to bring hope and beauty into their life and environment as a way to recover from the traumas.

The inspiration came when a neighbour, Abu Abdullah, painted his house in bright colors for 1,5 year ago.  Three neighbours followed to paint their houses too.  And gradually they managed to convinced all the neighbourhood to join them. Money got collected for paint and everyone participated in the painting. The grey walls got colours of hope: yellow, green, purple, pink, blue...  They have stepped out of darkness and into an oasis of colours. 

Mais impressed me with her enthusiasm and openness, and I'm sure that her talent and creativity will bring her a bright future!


Extra shot: sunrise at the harbour in Gaza