A soothing song for kids peacefully resting amidst bombings in Gaza.
“I persevered through the deafening sounds of artillery and the blaze in the nursery, but still I remain steadfast,” sang the words. “I braved the immobilizing terror hidden beneath the covers, experienced the betrayal of those I trusted, yet I stand tall.”
In October, Marwán composed a song soon after the war started. His father was raised in UNRWA tents in the Tulkarm refugee camp in the occupied West Bank. As a result, Marwán chose to donate the rights to the Spanish committee of UNRWA, the United Nations agency for Palestinian Refugees, in order to raise funds.
In an interview with UN News reporter Beatriz Barral, he shares that UNRWA has been a crucial support system for his father since his birth. His father was born in a refugee camp and attended an UNRWA school, where he received all of his education until the age of 18. UNRWA has always been a reliable source, providing food, assistance, and education for his father. He feels grateful to have been able to offer his help and support to the millions of Palestinians, including those in Gaza, who continue to receive aid from UNRWA. However, without a political resolution, there is limited action that can be taken beyond offering support and rallying for change.
The song “Urgent Lullaby for Palestine” discusses the “harsh injustices and lack of rights,” as well as the “neglect that Palestinians experience from the global community.” However, the chorus remains consistent, emphasizing their resilience.
“Even amidst neglect, abandonment, bombings, and the atrocities faced by children, I aim to shed light on the resilience of Palestinians. Despite dire circumstances, they continue to persevere,” he clarifies.
Marwán has made multiple trips to the West Bank, where his father’s extended family still lives. He even performed a song in front of his father’s old school in Tulkarm.
When questioned about allegations against UNRWA, Marwán expresses great sadness. He believes it is completely unprecedented and illogical to label UNRWA as problematic or supportive of terrorism. Their main goal is to provide assistance to those in desperate situations and bring dignity to Palestinian lives repeatedly. This is all that matters to him and he remains committed to supporting UNRWA. Despite facing criticism for his association with UNRWA, he remains undeterred. He is disheartened by the lack of support and governments pulling aid, but he continues to push forward.
Marwán encourages those who are hesitant to donate to UNRWA to carefully investigate the current situation in Palestine.
“Discover the extensive and noteworthy efforts of UNRWA since 1948. The speaker urges for recognition of the ongoing genocide and emphasizes the sole reliance of Palestinians on UNRWA. This fact is undeniable, as UNRWA is their only source of support and funding.”
The discontinuation of financial support for UNRWA is a “shameful disgrace.”
The schools run by UNRWA are currently being used as shelters for those who have been displaced in Gaza.
Marwán performed the song at the Reina Sofía Museum in Madrid on Tuesday, with Spain’s Minister for Youth and Childhood Sira Rego in attendance. Marwán expressed deep sadness over the suspension of funds, which follows accusations from Israel that some workers were involved in the October 7 attacks. These attacks resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis and 250 people being taken hostage. Despite UNRWA taking action by firing the employees and conducting an investigation, the funding has been suspended.
Through his music, he aims to keep the Gaza conflict from being forgotten.
“Everyday in Palestine, there are instances of human rights violations. This is not a typical war between two nations, with one defending itself against the other,” he explains.
I trust in the involvement of international courts.
Marwán is shocked by what he considers to be clear breaches of international law.
Following World War II, measures were put in place to prevent similar atrocities from happening again. However, there are still instances where people are finding ways to bypass international laws. Interestingly, the countries that frequently advocate for human rights are also the ones most involved in this issue. This is due to their significant influence and veto power in the UN Security Council.
The artist strongly condemns the way the media is reporting on the war, urging people to obtain information “through Twitter, from accounts of Palestinian journalists, or on Instagram.”
“We are witnessing a genocide take place during a prominent time with the involvement of journalism supporting the offenders. It is difficult to understand, but this is due to vested interests. The only explanation is the self-interest of the Western world. There is no other reason,” he states.
Marwán is convinced that the only way to reach a resolution and establish a harmonious future is through “international legal intervention.” He firmly believes that this is the only source of hope at present.
Marwan, the vocalist, sings “Urgent Lullaby for Palestine” at a performance held at the Reina Sofía Museum in Madrid, Spain. The event was arranged by the Spanish branch of UNRWA.
The views expressed by the person being interviewed are his own and do not reflect the stance of the United Nations.
Source: news.un.org
