New Rafah

Since the start of the war on Gaza, to stave off depression, I began trying to visualize what Palestinians would build once they won their freedom; after the checkpoints, rubble, and apartheid wall were all removed and there was freedom of movement between the river and the sea.

This is part of a series of future memory paintings; paintings that become reality. This one is a vision for the future of Gaza: where the universities, churches and mosques are rebuilt, and it's green and lush again instead of gray.

In the center of the painting is the last remaining slab of the apartheid wall, which the state of Palestine has decided to keep as a monument. The text on the slab reads:

Here in the revitalized city of New Rafah, a lone segment of the apartheid wall stands as a reminder: though our wounds may never fully heal, the resolve to create a brighter future for our children is steadfast.

I created this painting to help people focus on manifesting the goal of a free, rebuilt Palestine.

Just because there is a ceasefire does not mean that Palestine is free. The apartheid wall still prevents freedom of movement in all of historic Palestine. The checkpoints still exist, the land theft and annexation are still happening in the West Bank, and there are still Israeli soldiers in Gaza.

This painting is a reminder that, as Nelson Mandela said, 

"We know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians."

"We" in that quote means all of us.

You may purchase framed and matted prints of this piece.

If any of this moves you and you want to help, I have a fundraising campaign for a family in Gaza. You can make a donation here.