Gaza’s Nuseirat Refugee Camp: Children Heal War Wounds with Breakdancing Therapy

In the heart of the Nuseirat refugee camp within Gaza, breakdancing offers a glimmer of hope and healing for Palestinian children grappling with the harsh realities of war.

Each week, amidst the camp’s ruins, children of various ages come together to participate in dance sessions, providing them with precious moments of relief and community.

Fayez Saraj, an instructor at the forefront of this initiative, has been guiding these young dancers since before the 2023 conflict erupted. His role has grown increasingly vital as many children now live in tents due to the ongoing violence.

“The movements we teach are grounded in scientific principles aimed at psychological release,” Saraj explained. “This is crucial for helping children process the trauma they’ve endured during these tumultuous years.”

He further emphasized, “Our mission is to uplift these children, transforming their feelings of depression and frustration into experiences of joy and empowerment.”

Inside the school or outside, near the rubble, the children move at the rhythm of the music.

“I come to this center because I discovered that I have a talent for breakdancing, and I also come here to release the negative energy inside me and to enjoy,” said Habiba Abu Khater, who joined the group because of her passion for breakdancing.

Dangerous living conditions persist in Gaza after more than two years of devastating Israeli bombardment and aid shortfalls.

While a fragile ceasefire has been in place since Oct. 10., almost daily Israeli fire continues and has killed more than 820 Palestinians.

Both sides, Hamas and Israel, accused each other of violating the ceasefire, attacking each other.

Most of the two million residents of Gaza have been displaced and live in tents or in damaged buildings.

The war between Hamas and Israel began with a 2023 Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, in which the militants killed 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and abducted 251.

More than 72,600 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the war, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

The ministry, which is part of the Hamas-led government, maintains detailed casualty records that are seen as generally reliable by U.N. agencies and independent experts.