"Like Seeds, We will Continue"

Reem Anbar, a Palestinian oud player and a music therapist from Gaza, has been telling stories about her land and the ongoing war through her performances across Europe

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Reem Anbar

AS a storyteller and musician, I worked in Gaza for many years with children from different back­ grounds and their parents during the Israeli wars. In the aftermath of these wars, I worked internationally and trained in Belgium and Spain. I now live in Manchester, Britain. I perform as a solo oud player and as part of Gazelleband, which I formed along with writer and musi­ cian Dr Louis Brehony. I have been increasingly invited to perform around the world, where I see my work as a representation of Gaza and Palestinian Arab culture.

Since October, I have done many concerts in Britain and Ireland, where musicians and activists invited me to perform in Donegal as part of a solidarity tour. The sup­ port of the Irish really encouraged me to continue to speak and play for Palestine.

When I heard about the first Israeli bombs, I felt fear, of course, but thought this would be like all of the other wars we have lived through. I immediately thought about my family and friends. I have two brothers in Gaza, including one with three young children, along with grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and all of my friends and neighbours. All of them have now lost their houses to the bombing.