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RHYTHM AMID RUBBLE: GAZA BREAKERS USE HIP-HOP TO HEAL YOUNG HEARTS
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In the heart of Gaza, amidst the echoes of conflict, a unique form of healing is taking place. The CampsBreakerz, a breakdancing school established in 2003, is using the power of movement and rhythm to help children cope with the psychological toll of living in a war zone.
Co-founded by Ahmed "Shark" Alghariz and his brother Mohamed "Funk" Ghraiz, CampsBreakerz offers workshops that blend dance with trauma counseling. Alghariz, a trained emergency trauma counsellor and dance educator, believes that "breaking can help heal trauma." The program aims to give children a sense of belonging and hope through physical expression.
The importance of such initiatives is underscored by stark statistics. A 2020 report by Save the Children revealed that four out of five children in Gaza were living with depression, grief, and fear. More alarmingly, over half had contemplated suicide, and three out of five were self-harming. Another study from the same year indicated that 53-55% of Gaza's children suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder even before the recent escalation of conflict.
The ongoing Israel-Gaza war has further exacerbated the situation. UNICEF executive director Catherine Russell highlighted the "devastating physical and psychological toll" on children, describing thousands as "sick, hungry, injured or separated from their families.
Despite these challenges, CampsBreakerz continues its mission. Even after their studio was damaged in an airstrike and several students lost their lives, the program persevered. Alghariz recounts how children and parents were eager to continue dancing, finding solace and strength in movement even in the most difficult circumstances.
This inspiring initiative demonstrates the resilience of Gaza's youth and the transformative power of art in the face of adversity. As Alghariz puts it, CampsBreakerz offers children "a chance to know themselves and be more orientated to life and everything in their surroundings," providing a beacon of hope in an otherwise challenging environment.
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In Gaza, where the sound of drones often drowns out laughter, a unique form of therapy is emerging through the rhythmic movements of breakdancing. The CampsBreakerz, a dance crew turned healers, are using their art to address the severe mental health crisis affecting Gaza's youth.
Recent correspondence in The Lancet Psychiatry highlighted the dire situation: "Constant bombardment and displacement and the loss of family members are predisposing many children to anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other adverse mental health conditions." The immediate need for basic survival resources has further complicated efforts to provide mental health support.
Enter the CampsBreakerz workshops, offering children a much-needed escape through dance, movement, and meditation. Ahmed "Shark" Alghariz, co-founder and trained trauma counselor, explains that these activities have proven psychological benefits and can aid in healing trauma. The movements taught in workshops are designed to help regulate children's nervous systems, potentially alleviating anxiety and grief.
Viral social media videos show these young dancers performing amidst rubble and debris, their rhythm defying the ominous hum of drones overhead. For Alghariz, this initiative is about more than just dance: "CampsBreakerz means a lot to me and the children. Breaking helps us to know more information and knowledge about art and learn how to build an artistic personality.
Interestingly, this modern form of expression has roots in traditional Palestinian culture. The crew often incorporates steps from Dabke, a traditional folk dance popular in several Middle Eastern countries, into their breakdancing routines. Both styles share elements of energetic footwork and jumping.
While breakdancing was initially met with skepticism by some parents in Gaza, its therapeutic potential is now gaining recognition. As the children of Gaza continue to face unimaginable challenges, the CampsBreakerz offer a rhythm of hope — a chance to heal through the universal language of dance.
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The CampsBreakerz initiative in Gaza has evolved from a novel dance program to a vital source of psychological support for children living in conflict. Initially met with skepticism, the breakdancing workshops have gradually won over parents as they witnessed the positive impact on their children's confidence and spirits.
At the core of these workshops is a carefully designed approach to stress relief and trauma healing. The activities aim to help children reconnect with their bodies and foster connections with those around them. Ahmed "Shark" Alghariz, one of the founders, emphasizes that even the simple act of forming a circle for performances can build crucial social bonds among participants.
Despite facing significant challenges, including damage to their studio, the CampsBreakerz crew remains committed to their mission. They've successfully raised nearly $197,000 (about US$130,000) to sustain their programs and eventually rebuild their dance space. This financial support underscores the community's recognition of the program's value.
The resilience of both the organizers and the young participants is evident in their determination to continue dancing, even in the face of adversity. As Alghariz notes, " are still dancing in backyards … until now, they are still dancing." This persistence speaks volumes about the power of dance as a coping mechanism and a source of joy in challenging circumstances.
The CampsBreakerz story is a testament to the healing potential of art and community in areas affected by conflict. By providing a creative outlet and a sense of normalcy, these dance workshops offer a glimmer of hope and a path to resilience for Gaza's youth.
In conclusion, the CampsBreakerz initiative in Gaza stands as a powerful example of resilience, creativity, and hope in the face of extreme adversity. What began as an unconventional dance program has evolved into a crucial lifeline for children grappling with the psychological toll of ongoing conflict.
The success of this program highlights several key points:
The therapeutic power of art and movement in trauma healing
The adaptability and determination of communities in crisis
The universal language of dance as a tool for connection and expression
The importance of providing children with outlets for stress relief and self-expression in conflict zones
As the CampsBreakerz continue their work, they not only offer immediate relief to participants but also sow seeds of resilience that may have long-lasting impacts on Gaza's youth. Their story serves as an inspiration and a reminder of the enduring human spirit, capable of finding beauty and purpose even in the most challenging circumstances.
Ultimately, initiatives like CampsBreakerz underscore the critical need for holistic approaches to healing and community building in conflict-affected areas, where traditional forms of support may be limited or unavailable. Through the rhythm and movement of breakdancing, these young dancers are not just performing – they're reclaiming their childhoods and building hope for a brighter future.