In Gaza, Even the Sky Is Being Taken Away from Children

Children growing up among homes, schools and playgrounds destroyed by war hold on to kites as a way to escape, even for a moment, the trauma they endure.

Yet the occupying regime’s recent portrayal of kites as a security threat reveals how even the simplest childhood games have become targets in Gaza.

In response to the idea that a kite flown by a child could be considered a threat, we filled the sky above Başakşehir with kites for Gaza.

From Başakşehir to Gaza: A Message Carried on the Wind

As the Mavi Marmara Association, we organized this gathering and released our kites into the sky together with children. Held at Başakşehir National Garden, the event was supported by member organizations of the Başakşehir Civil Society Organizations Platform, which brings together more than 50 associations, as well as numerous families.

Under the slogan “Kites Will Fly Freely in Gaza Too,” we drew attention to the right of children in Gaza to play, to dream and to live freely.

With every kite rising into the sky, we did more than protest an unacceptable restriction; we once again showed the children of Gaza that they are not alone.

“Let Kites Fly Freely in Gaza, Let Gaza Be Free”

Fatih Mehmet Yıldırım, President of the Başakşehir Civil Society Organizations Platform, said they wanted to respond from Türkiye to the message of freedom sent to the world by children in Gaza through their kites.

He said the gathering was organized following statements by the occupying regime portraying even kites as a threat, adding that they aimed to deliver a powerful message through the participation of children.

“Until Palestine Is Free, None of Us Are Free”

Dr. Ayşenur Levent Albayrak, a participant in the Sumud Flotilla, also joined our gathering alongside her husband, Dr. Abdullah Anıl Albayrak.

Speaking out against the targeting of children’s games in Gaza through fabricated justifications, Albayrak said they were there to stand with Gaza and Palestinian children through their kites.

She concluded her message with these words:

“We all stand with Palestine, and until Palestine is free, none of us are free.”

Kites Rising Into the Sky Became a Promise to Gaza

The gathering concluded with a press statement read by the children.

The kites released into the sky at Başakşehir National Garden became a message of solidarity to their peers in Gaza who are trying to remain children amid war.

A kite in a child’s hands is not a threat. It is hope.

We believe that the hope a child sends into the sky can never be silenced forever by oppression.

Kites Will Fly Freely in Gaza Too. Gaza Will Be Free.

We sincerely thank everyone who took part and stood with us in solidarity.