Gaza’s only concert grand piano becomes image of hope

In the midst of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, a remarkable symbol of hope has emerged from the rubble: the only concert grand piano in the territory. This piano is housed in the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music, a music school that has faced devastating losses during the war. Khamis Abu Shaban, a guitar teacher at the Conservatory, bravely returned to the school a few months into the conflict to assess the damage. What he found was heartbreaking. The school had suffered extensive destruction, with more than half of its facilities burned and countless instruments damaged or destroyed. Khamis reported seeing cases of violins and cellos strewn across the streets, with over fifty violins and forty cellos completely smashed. The sight left him feeling 'completely destroyed. ' However, amidst the devastation, Khamis spotted something that lifted his spirits: the grand piano was still standing, untouched. 'Honestly, I smiled when I saw it. I smiled and I laughed,' he recalled. This piano had previously survived a bombing in 2014 and was restored by a French technician, becoming a beacon of hope for the local music community. nnDue to the ongoing military operations in the area, it has become too dangerous for teachers and students to resume lessons at the Conservatory. Instead, they have adapted by providing music lessons to thousands of displaced children living in makeshift camps. These lessons take place outdoors, under tents, or in schools and shelters run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). Khamis emphasized the importance of music during these challenging times, stating, 'Life goes on, and even with all this death around us, people need anything that can make them… not happy - no-one will be happy in this period - but something that can make them smile, be able to continue with life. ' The teachers, many of whom are former students of the Conservatory, are using whatever instruments they can find to teach the children. nnOne inspiring story comes from a 16-year-old violinist named Sama Nijim, who is teaching a boy named Mohammed Abu Eideh. Mohammed lost his right hand in an airstrike, making it difficult for him to play his favorite instrument, the oud. To help him learn the violin, Sama devised a creative solution by tying the bow to his arm with a scarf, allowing him to play despite his injury. Another teacher, Osama Jahjouh, has shown similar ingenuity by crafting a traditional flute, known as a nay, from a plastic pipe after the Conservatory's flutes were lost. Fuad Khader, who started a children's choir in a refugee camp, faced initial resistance from parents who questioned the value of music during such dire circumstances. However, he reassured them, saying, 'Everyone has to do something. I’m a musician. And this is my job. ' After a week of music lessons, parents reported that their children were happier and more engaged, demonstrating the transformative power of music even in the darkest of times. nnDespite the joy that music brings, the teachers face the harsh reality of their surroundings. During lessons, loud explosions can interrupt their sessions, causing everyone to pause and look at each other in fear. The teachers strive to remain strong for the children, but they too carry the weight of the trauma experienced by their students. Khamis hopes that one day, students will be able to play the grand piano again. When he last saw it, he noticed that some strings had been cut and some hammers broken, indicating that someone had tampered with it. Nevertheless, Khamis remains optimistic, stating, 'Now, I see it still standing in front of me. It’s telling me: ‘I'm not one to die. I'm still here for you. And I will stay. ’ This grand piano, a symbol of resilience and hope, continues to inspire the musicians of Gaza as they navigate the challenges of war and strive to keep the spirit of music alive.