Silent protesters in Washington, DC are using powerful visual depictions of dead Palestinian children to draw attention to the devastating toll of Israel’s war in Gaza. The protesters, part of an informal group called Die-in for Humanity, are passing out leaflets and displaying small figures wrapped in white shrouds splattered in blood, each representing a real child killed in Gaza. Their aim is to break through pre-conceived notions about the conflict and spark meaningful conversations about the humanitarian crisis.
One of the children represented is Julia Fawzi Saeed Al-Kurd, a one-year-old who was killed in an Israeli air raid on Deir al-Balah in central Gaza. The protesters hope to keep the memory of children like Julia alive, as little is publicly known about their lives beyond their deaths. By bringing attention to the individual stories and humanity of those affected by the war, the activists aim to provoke deeper questions and reflections on the ongoing violence.
Hazami Barmada, who organized the protests, emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about what is happening to Palestinians and challenging preconceived notions. The group has handed out over 14,000 flyers so far, aiming to reach beyond social media echo chambers and engage with the average person on the street. Barmada, of Palestinian and Syrian descent, believes that by presenting stark reminders of the toll of war, the protesters can prompt meaningful conversations and reflection.
The war in Gaza has claimed the lives of over 15,000 Palestinians since October 7, making it one of the deadliest conflicts for civilians and children in modern history. The protesters also aim to raise questions about the United States’ role in the conflict. President Joe Biden and his administration have expressed staunch support for Israel, providing significant military aid without imposing limits on its use. Israel receives at least $3.8 billion in annual US aid, with Biden seeking an additional $14 billion for the country this year. The protesters find Biden’s stance disappointing and believe it will be a stain on his legacy.
While many pedestrians in Washington, DC have shown support for the protesters, reactions have not always been positive. The activists faced a profanity-laden, racist tirade from a woman who accused them of terrorism and told Barmada to “go back to whatever f***ing country” she came from. Despite these incidents, Barmada remains committed to absorbing the anger and hatred without reacting to it.
Barmada was inspired to start the die-in protests after seeing footage of a Palestinian mother whispering in her dead child’s ear in Gaza. The experience reminded her of putting her own child to sleep and sparked a deep sense of empathy and sorrow. Her personal connection to the issue motivated her to take action and create meaningful change.
The Die-in for Humanity group has held protests at various locations in the US capital, including the White House and State Department. Their efforts aim to shed light on the devastating impact of the Gaza war and challenge the international community to take action. By using visual displays and personal stories, the protesters hope to make people feel uncomfortable and provoke a different emotional reaction to the conflict. Ultimately, their goal is to bring about awareness, empathy, and meaningful conversations surrounding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
