Orphan Foundation Organizes the "Draw for Palestinian Children" Event at Sultanahmet Square

Orphan Foundation organized an event titled "Draw for Palestinian Children" at Sultanahmet Square, aimed at highlighting the suffering of the children who were martyred in Gaza. Children and their families actively participated in this event by embodying the unfulfilled dreams of Palestinian children and their hopes for a free Palestine, expressed through their heartfelt and expressive lines on the canvases.

The event witnessed a significant turnout from children, along with widespread interest from both local and international tourists, who were deeply moved by the foundation’s initiative and its profound impact on the attendees.

In 81 Provinces, for the Children of Palestine

The event organized by Orphan Foundation was held simultaneously across Turkey. The drawing event in support of Palestinian children took place in the public squares of all 81 provinces, coordinated in a unified effort.

A Call to Humanity

Mr. Murat Yılmaz, the Chairman of the Board of Orphan Foundation, made a public statement.
In his remarks, Yılmaz highlighted the illegality of Israeli attacks and spoke of the suffering of children in Gaza. He also delivered a profound humanitarian message through his words.

In his statement, Mr. Yılmaz said:
"Today, the one and only question that must be answered by the Islamic world, which comprises two billion people, and by the entire world, with a population of eight billion, is: Can we open a safe corridor for the children of Gaza, who have been suffocating under the Israeli air, sea, and land blockade for 17 years, so they may breathe freely?"

The President Addresses Oppressions in Other Parts of the World and Concludes with Prayers and Wishes

The president addressed the injustices faced by innocent people in other regions of the world, concluding his remarks with heartfelt prayers and wishes.

In his speech, he said:
"We have captured the prayers of our children and youth, their beautiful wishes, and their stand against the oppressors on our canvases. We pray to God that this injustice and occupation come to an end as soon as possible. Not only for the children of Palestine, but for all children in East Turkestan, Afghanistan, Kashmir, Rohingya, Ukraine, Sudan, and Yemen, that they may live in beautiful days where they can play freely and feel safe."

At the end of the event, a long canvas, stretching one kilometer, was unfurled, upon which children painted their dreams in vibrant colors, creating a symbolic corridor that marked the conclusion of the event.

Ankara

Orphan Foundation organized the "Draw for Palestinian Children" event at the National Garden in the capital, Ankara, to protest against the Israeli attacks on Gaza and to offer support to Palestinian children.

The event saw the active participation of the foundation’s volunteers and citizens, with children drawing the Palestinian flag on large sheets of paper placed on the ground, using vibrant colors to write messages of solidarity.

In a statement regarding the event, Ali Ekber Yaradilmaș, Orphan Foundation’s representative in Sincan, pointed out the massacres and injustices committed by Israel in Palestinian territories since 1947.
Yaradilmaș, explaining the purpose of the event, said:
"Today, we gather here to celebrate this event in support of Palestine. We stand with you, our dear brothers. Perhaps we cannot come to you or reach you, perhaps our strength is insufficient, but at the very least, our hearts are with you, our drawings, our colors, and our longing are with you. Through this event, we send you our messages."

Izmir

In an event organized by Orphan Foundation and the Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH) branch in Izmir, held at Atatürk Square in the Konak district, children drew pictures on a long sheet of paper spread on the ground, expressing their support for Gaza and protesting against Israel. They also wrote down their emotions.

In a statement, Özlem Çilligöl, Orphan Foundation’s coordinator in Izmir, emphasized that many children had lost their lives due to the ongoing attacks.
Çilligöl explained that the aim of the event was to raise the voices of the children whose dreams were shattered in Gaza. She added:
"Every child should be freed from physical and emotional exploitation. They should have access to age-appropriate education, health services, and social opportunities, as well as their identity and citizenship rights. They must be able to live with their mother, father, and relatives, in an environment that is safe and free from danger, able to run and play with their peers, feel confident, and benefit from all the material and spiritual resources of their family. Palestine is the homeland of children who are arrested at a young age, tried in military courts, and live under the constant threat of death and injury due to the relentless bombings and attacks."

Nevşehir

In an event organized by Orphan Foundation, the Turkish Directorate of Religious Affairs, and the Nevşehir Humanitarian Relief Association in front of Tarık Kesekçi Park, children drew pictures on long sheets of paper spread on the ground using pastel, dry, and watercolors.

In a statement on behalf of the group, Arzu Taşkın emphasized that Palestine, which has suffered Israeli attacks for many years, is now enduring the worst massacre in its history during the past year.
Taşkın stated:
"Palestine is the homeland of children who are arrested at a young age, tried in military courts, and live under the constant threat of death and injury due to continuous bombings and attacks. Palestine is the homeland of more than 30,000 orphaned children, and nearly 20,000 children living without guardians. It is the homeland of children who have lost all their hospitals and cannot access medical treatment or medicine. While hospitals and health centers are protected environments during wartime, these children’s rights are being blatantly violated. We will not remain silent in the face of these attacks and rights violations because silence in the face of injustice is itself a form of injustice."

Sivas

In an event held at the Atatürk Museum Park in Sivas, children who attended with their parents drew pictures using colors on canvases placed on the ground.

In a statement, the Head of the Youth Department in Sivas, Ayhan Çiftçi, said:
"Palestine, suffering from occupation and Israeli attacks, has been enduring the worst massacre in history since October 7. Gaza, where nearly 50,000 people lost their lives, with women and children making up more than 70% of the martyrs, nearly 100,000 wounded, over 70,000 homes destroyed, and more than 2 million displaced, is a shame for humanity."

Samsun

In an event organized by the Greater Samsun Municipality and the Samsun Jerusalem Platform at Cumhuriyet Square, representatives of civil society organizations and students participated in the event.

During this event, children drew pictures on a long canvas placed on the ground, which included messages of support for Gaza.

In a statement, Sakine Okudan, Orphan Unit Coordinator, said:
"Palestine, which has been subjected to occupation and Israeli attacks, has been enduring its worst massacre in history since October 7, 2023. More than 50,000 martyrs, with women and children comprising over 70% of them, nearly 100,000 wounded, more than 70,000 homes destroyed, and 2 million displaced, this is the disgrace of humanity. The occupation thrives on condemnation without action from the countries, and with each passing day, the brutality grows."

Okudan further added:
"The attacks on Gaza mark their first anniversary, and the result is that the region has been completely destroyed, with more than 2% of its population losing their lives. There is not a single child who does not need psychological support. All the rights promised by the Convention on the Rights of the Child are trampled under the feet of the occupiers. Even unborn children are not spared from crimes against humanity. Every child must be freed from physical and emotional exploitation, must have access to age-appropriate education, benefit from health and social services, and obtain their identity and citizenship rights. They must live with their parents and relatives, in an environment that is free from danger, able to play with their peers, feel confident, and benefit from all the material and spiritual resources of their family."

Antalya

Under the leadership of Orphan Foundation, a program was held at Karaalioğlu Park, where participants protested Israel and painted large sheets of paper with pastel and watercolors.
Children drew the Palestinian and Turkish flags, a watermelon slice representing Palestine, and Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Antalya's Police Chief İlker Arslan also participated in the event, painting alongside the children.

Edirne

In an event organized by Orphan Foundation's Edirne Branch at Selimiye Square, representatives from various NGOs and students showed their support.
Participants painted messages of support for Gaza on a long canvas placed on a table.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Ömer Bozkurt, a student at Trakya University, stated:
"Nearly 50,000 people have lost their lives in Israel's attacks on Gaza. These attacks have been ongoing for a year now. The region has been completely destroyed, and at least 2% of the population is no longer alive. There is no child who does not need psychological support. All the rights promised to children under the Convention on the Rights of the Child have been crushed under the boots of the occupiers. Even unborn children are being subjected to genocide."

Bozkurt emphasized that children, who are supposed to be protected in times of war, have been deprived of their lives due to Israeli attacks.
He added:
"We will not remain silent in the face of these crimes. We will continue to support Gaza and raise our voices for the children of Palestine, their mothers, and all our brothers and sisters under oppression. Today, we came together in the 'Draw for Palestinian Children' event to show our stance against these brutal attacks and call for the end of the occupation and injustice."

Kahramanmaraş

At the event titled "We Draw to Hear the Voices of Children Whose Dreams Were Destroyed in Gaza," held in front of the Necip Fazıl Kısakürek Cultural Center in Kahramanmaraş, children drew images of the Palestinian flag, Al-Aqsa Mosque, and other symbols.

In a press statement, Orphan Foundation volunteer Ahmet Asım Demirdöğen said:
"We organized this event to raise the voices of Palestinian children, their mothers, and all the people living under oppression. We painted our children's prayers, their beautiful wishes, and their stand against the oppressors on the canvases. Our sincere plea to Allah is for this oppression and occupation to end as soon as possible. Not only for the children of Palestine but also for the children of East Turkistan, Afghanistan, Kashmir, Myanmar, Ukraine, Sudan, and Yemen to have the freedom to play, feel safe, and live beautiful days."