A powerful and emotional memorial took place in the heart of Amsterdam, Netherlands, drawing global attention to the ongoing suffering of Palestinian children and journalists killed in the Gaza conflict.
The “Plant an Olive Tree” foundation organized the event in the famous Dam Square in central Amsterdam to commemorate the Palestinian children and journalists killed in Gaza. During the event, Dutch artists, actors, and producers read the names of the children who were killed and their ages one by one. Volunteers also distributed leaflets to passersby to raise awareness about what is happening in Gaza.
The installation featured nearly 20,000 pairs of shoes and photos of 313 journalists killed over the past 2.5 years, while Dutch artists and public figures read out the names and ages of the victims during the event.
The director of the foundation, Esther van der Most, said the event has been held for the sixteenth time for Palestinian children, and for the fourth time for journalists. She noted that the January 2024 event displayed 10,000 shoes, but the number of children killed has since risen to 20,000.
Van der Most stressed that attendees were deeply moved and cried during the event, adding that 313 journalists had been killed over the past two and a half years, calling it “another example of unprecedented injustice.”
The event sparked debate in some quarters, with critics raising concerns about the symbolism used. Nevertheless, the memorial moved thousands of people and was seen as a strong call for political action and accountability.
