The garden is brought to life with brightly coloured balloons adorning the trees and surroundings, creating a vibrant and lively scene.
Children from Türkiye, Palestine and Egypt gather together, adding to the festive atmosphere. Some small individuals swing on rubber swings while others eagerly await their turn to have colourful shapes drawn on their faces by a man.
Some kids waiting their turn to grab a handful of freshly made popcorn from the popcorn cart.
Despite the celebratory setting, there seems to be something missing to fully elevate the spirits of the attendees.
This occasion took place at the Turkish ambassador’s residence in Cairo to mark the 104th anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Grand National Assembly and National Sovereignty and Children’s Day on April 23.
Designated by president of the newly formed Turkish Republic Mustafa Kemal Atatürk for children in 1924, the day is recognised as the world’s first children’s holiday.
Turkish Ambassador Salih Mutlu Şen said dedication of this holiday to children signifies that they are the future of the development, peace, and prosperity process.
He added this year’s event unites the children of Türkiye, Egypt, and Palestine, serving as a powerful reminder of these children’s hopes and dreams for a more peaceful and prosperous future.
“Although we may not be completely joyful, the deserving children should at least be able to cherish this day.”
Expressing profound sorrow for the countless children losing their lives in Gaza, the invitation of Palestinian children to this celebration serves as a poignant demonstration of the Turkish children’s solidarity with their Palestinian peers.
Speaking at the event, the Ambassador touched on the constructive visit made by Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry to Türkiye on April 20.
He added that the forthcoming visit by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to Türkiye will include the inaugural meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council between the two countries.
“Discussions will revolve around collaborating with Egypt to provide aid to our fellow brothers and sisters in Palestine. Additionally, further humanitarian assistance is planned for the region.”
Palestinian Ambassador to Egypt Diab Allouh said that in this occasion, children of Palestine and Egypt and Türkiye send a message to their counterparts in Gaza that they are not alone.
He expressed gratitude to the Egyptian and Turkish authorities and others for their assistance and support to Palestinian people.
Ambassador Allouh said that in the midst of tragedy and loss, the Palestinian people of Gaza continue to cling to their homeland with unwavering determination.
“The devastating impact of the conflict is evident in the staggering statistics – 15,000 children lost, 17,000 orphaned, and 100,000 students unable to attend school.”
Since the start of the war on October 7, he added, Egypt has opened its doors to 100,000 Gazans, demonstrating compassion and solidarity during this humanitarian crisis.
“Among them are 10,000 pupils and 4,000 university students. Additionally, Egypt has welcomed 10,000 injured and patients along with their companions, providing essential medical care and support,” he said.
The ambassador’s poignant words shed light on the harrowing reality faced by the children of Gaza, where dreams of a peaceful, stable future are overshadowed by the harsh realities of bloodshed and deprivation.
The urgent plea for humanitarian aid and support for the innocent victims of the conflict resonates deeply, emphasising the fundamental right of every child to live with dignity and humanity, he said.
“The resilience and hope displayed by the Palestinian people in the face of unimaginable adversity serve as a poignant reminder of the enduring strength of the human spirit,” he said.
The event showcased the incredible talents of Palestinian children, with some passionately singing Palestinian resistance songs while others delivered powerful recitations of poetry.
Nada Ayman, a 17-year-old member of the renowned Al-Faluja Palestinian Folklore Troupe, graced the stage with her fellow bandmates, captivating the audience with a stunning dabka performance.
Founded in 1983, the Cairo-based troupe is dedicated to revitalising and safeguarding Palestinian cultural heritage from exploitation and erasure.
Despite the heartrending circumstances faced by their loved ones in Gaza, the troupe remains steadfast in their mission to bring joy and jubilation to all who attend their performances.
“The ongoing Israeli occupation has inflicted continuous suffering on Palestine, and the current situation is proving to be even more challenging and distinct,” she told The Egyptian Gazette.
Ayman, a Cairo native of Palestinian descent, shared her profound connection to the ongoing struggles in Palestine. Annually, she and her family often travel to Gaza for a month-long vacation with their relatives. They had planned to go last year, but the outbreak of war changed their plans.
“The situation is incredibly challenging. We have lost many friends and relatives,” she said.
Despite the difficulties, she has kept in touch with her relatives in Gaza. “They assure me that they are still doing well.” She has relatives in Gaza, Khan Younis, and Rafah.
“We are unwavering in our determination to reclaim our homeland. We cannot stop dreaming of this and will continue to defend it until our last breath,” she declared.
“I am certain that one day, we will all pray at Al-Aqsa Mosque, Inshallah,” said Ayman.
