Razed Voices

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RAZED

Voices

This anthology was born out of an urgent need to shed light on the stories of those who, despite immense struggles, continue to stand with our shared humanity.

Through images, poems, and artwork, it reflects the resilience of the human spirit and the unwavering strength of those who rise up against injustice and cruelty. It has been a year since the genocide in Palestine, but this struggle did not begin recently. The oppression and the fight for freedom have spanned decades. It is crucial that we learn about and understand this long-standing conflict so that its roots are not forgotten. At times, it feels like there is little we can do in the face of such cruelty, but every effort to use our voices, no matter how small, contributes to change.

Each piece in this anthology is a grain of sand, ensuring that the stories of resistance are heard. The first section of this collection features photos taken by three families who survived the genocide in Gaza, highlighting their resilience and the enduring spirit to rise against oppression. The second section brings together images of protests, poems, and artwork in the U.S. as acts of solidarity, showing the continued fight for justice and human rights.

As we witness Palestine being razed to rubble, we must continue to raise our voices: Ceasefire now, Free Congo, Free Sudan, Free Palestine!

Contributors

Collected by Mia

Designed by Maria

Photos by Zahwa

Aliah Zach Zaenah

Jonathan Fernandes

Emma Louise

Art by Goku Mcafee

Poetry by Zahra Al

Life Gaza

Life In Gaza

The day we had to leave Gaza!! I can’t explain my feelings here, I was so depressed and scared about leaving my family behind. I always hate goodbyes but I never imagined saying goodbye in this way. I was helpless that I couldn’t do anything for my country and I had to leave in this way but I made a promise to myself that this goodbye won’t be forever. We will have a meeting one day my beautiful city!!!

- Zahwa

I took this photo when we had to leave our home, I never imagined leaving my house with the thought that I may not come back or the house won’t stay! But I was convincing myself that I was coming back very soon, so that’s why I didn’t take many pictures of it [I wish I did :( ]

In this photo, I missed my room so much. I missed my comfortable bed, my warm blankets, and my closet that was full of clothes that I really loved. Moving to a place that is way different from your cozy home is really difficult, but we were so lucky to find people that let us stay in their house. It was warmed by their love and support that made us feel like home!

It’s funny that day by day small things that used to be normal in our lives become the reason to make us happy. Like in this picture, I was so happy that we got a coupon for blankets because it was so cold back then and every person only had one blanket that wasn’t enough to warm us in the cold weather. - Zahwa

Because we didn’t have any other options for buying clothes that could fit us really well, we had to buy a different size, so my aunt helped us sew the clothes to fit us well!

I took this shot when I first went out of the house after a month of not going anywhere because it was so dangerous and scary outside. And when I saw the bombed houses and streets and how life was tough outside I got so depressed to the point it took me a while to go out after that!

And our house got bombed!!! And all of our memories are gone forever!! It was hard seeing my home like this without any details, but it will come back better than before!! And we will come back no matter what!!!

This is the strawberry farm in Gaza. They had some of the most beautiful and fresh strawberries with the most beautiful red color I had ever seen.

These are pots made by Palestinians in Gaza. They are made from the resources there and are special to them. They made some of the best food that I ate while I was there. Every Palestinian had one of these.

- Aliah

This is another view from the city. This was after a day with our family. My cousins were explaining all the buildings to me. What was there now, and what was taken from previous wars. It was still their favorite place and it became mine.

Zach

The sunsets overlooking the sea were some of the most beautiful sights I have ever encountered. Each and every day, I was struck by the awe-inspiring views. I share this photo as a reminder of Gaza’s beauty.

This is just a glance from afar of what Gaza used to look like. Here you see the cityscape of Gaza City while I stand from the pier. The pier was built with the debris and rubble from the constant bombardment from Israel in 2021. It is truly a representation of Gaza’s resilience and determination.

-

This is a photo of what used to be my Tata’s (grandma) garden. Sadly, this was before the recent war as it has now been bombed and destroyed. During my trip in 2022 and my only time visiting Gaza, this place made me feel at home. Having a garden in Gaza was a rarity due to its dense population so this truly felt like an oasis in the middle of a desert. - Zach

Zaenah

This is my best friend “Loji.” She’s not only a friend to me but also a sister, a backbone, a supporter, and the only one who always was proud of me and happy for every step I made.

She got killed by the IDF at the beginning of the war with her family in the North. When I received the news, I couldn’t believe it.

I started to cry and didn’t know what to do, especially when I was in the South and she was in the North.

We called the ambulances and everyone who could help to get them out from under the rubble, but when some neighbors ran for help they got bombed again, and other neighbors got killed.

Till this moment, I can’t get her out of my mind and can’t believe that she’s gone forever. But I’m sure her soul stays inside me. She was the kindest person I’ve ever met, she always cheered me up, she was so proud of me, and she was my big supporter. Without her I couldn’t move one step forward.

We were supposed to celebrate her birthday like every year on May 1st, but this year was different.

She wasn’t here. I know she is in a better place I hope to meet her soon in heaven.

When I took this photos I was wondering if this was the last day of war so I decided to change my clothes to colorful and hoped that I would go back home. I was very tired.

This was our first day burning wood to make food and hot water, I was very happy that we had food and the new experience, but sad that we used to have gas and now we are using wood.

I remember that day when I took a pic of empty shelves. I was so scared that I would not get food anymore, walked miles and searched in every single market in the area to the point that I started to feel pain in my legs, and I felt hopeless. That day I didn’t get food, I only got a tissue paper. I felt that I would die sooner or later.

I was alone in that room. I was so scared because at that moment they were bombing around. It was very cold, but I only had one cover to stay warm. And there were no beds, we only slept on the ground. I felt so much pain, but I couldn’t talk to anyone about it because I was better than anyone. At least there was a roof at the top of me while others were in a tent.

- Zaenah

I was so surprised that it was bombed but it still stands. It was a peaceful pic and it was very nice weather. I felt strongly that if the mosque still stands then we as Palestinians will stand for life and nothing can break us.

Protest for Gaza

Protest Gaza

Students for Justice in Palestine

UC Merced

May 15, 2024

A Palestine protestor. Manhattan, NYC October 24, 2023

Palestine protestors climb on top of Brooklyn Bridge to hold the Palestinian flag high. Manhattan, NYC

December 9, 2023

Jonathan Fernandes

A protestor for Palestine is arrested by the NYPD. NYPD often makes arbitrary arrests and later drops charges.

May 7, 2024

End the invasion of Rafah snap action protest. Forrest

Place Perth.

May 10th, 2023

Emma Louise

Emma Louise

Protest against Rafael systems at the Indian Ocean Defence security conference in Perth. Many protesters/organizers are Curtin University students - Curtin Uni is a platinum sponsor of the conference.

Emma Louise July 25, 2024

Emma Louise
Emma Louise

Day 8 of Curtin student encampment. Protest during the board of directors meeting happening at Curtin Uni. The meeting was held in the chancellery office, right in front of the student encampment.

Emma Louise May 9, 2024

Art by Goku Mcafee
Art by Goku Mcafee

To Gaza, Palestine: "Your Pain is Our Pain"

With the first blast that shattered your peace, we cried 'Genocide!'

An oppressor's cruel act, their war crimes cannot hide.

Each explosion they unleash, in their ruthless, unchecked stride, We stand firm in our charge, 'It's Genocide!' we chide.

Gaza we feel you, but do you feel us?

Gaza we see you, but do you see us?

Gaza we hear you, but do you hear us?

To visit you, to step foot on your land

To visit you, and walk on your great sand

To visit you, and hold your peoples hand

To visit you, and pray on your holy land

A dream of ours, a dream so sublime

A dream of seeing your moon shine, along your Gaza coastline

A dream of freedom from crimes, against your bloodline

A dream of justice, that they can not undermine

We didn't need a dandy man in a suit, We didn't need his fancy degree, We didn't need his plea, We didn't need his royal decree, We didn't need his foresight to clearly see you bleed

We see your tears, we hear your screams, We see your people flee, we see your people bleed

Oh Palestine, you have captured our hearts, Oh Palestine, you have controled our minds, Oh Palestine, we are indefinitely intertwined

Palestine, an Arab land so grand, Palestine, a holy land, so beautifully planned. Within Jerusalem, an old city's span, Every inch holds a tale, since time began. On this sacred soil, each handspan and step, An Angel has graced, a memory we've kept. Prophets have walked, and God's Messengers have stepped, Echoes of the pious, in every corner, their holy footprints are etched.

Stand great, stand strong, stand tall.

Labiek ya Aqsa, Labiek ya Aqsa

Labiek ya Gaza, Labiek ya Gaza

Labiek ya Rasool Allah, Labiek ya Rasool Allah

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