A week after the Asaad regime fell in Syria, some of Kurdish Syrian students picked up their paintbrushes to share their message with us, to share their hearts.
Zozan
“Hello. I am Zozan, 11 years old from Syria. I painted this to share with you my very deep emotions about my Motherland. The girls face is split in two to show our constant internal division, the division that the Kurdish Syrians live with, hope and joy on one side and fear and sadness on the other.
The tearful eye represents our sorrow and pain that we have experienced through years of cruelty, years of lack, years of war and hardship. It also portrays the fear of the unknown, the uncertainty, the unknown future.
The other eye shows our national aspiration for hope, stability and a promising future. I chose blue for the eyes as a representation of freedom, openness and endless possibilities. The brown hair indicates self confidence, and my personal emotional stability. Pink is the colour that I use for innocence, hope and love.
I want to show the world not just our pain and struggles, but our dreams for a brighter future. God willing."
Zozan
Judy
"My name is Judy, I was born in Afrin, Syria. I named my painting, Hope, Peace and Freedom. It reflects the symbolism connected with the Syrian Kurds, and all the events that we have somehow lived through and survived.
The white feather symbolises the long awaited peace and the pure souls who have lost their lives in this struggle. I am trying to send this feather to my people in Syria to encourage them to be strong, to stand firm, not to give up because hope, peace and freedom are coming.
I decided not to paint the words, Hope, Peace and Freedom directly on the painting, because they are not a part of the background. They are qualities of life that need to be stuck on to the background.
We pray. We hope."
Judy
Lorin
"I am Lorin, but everyone calls me Lulu. I am 13 years old, born in Qamhshili, Syria. I drew two flowers as they represent my story. The war has separated, divided between families. The red flowers symbolise love, energy and strength but they tell my story also.
When the war began we were displaced literally overnight, when things got insufferable, from Syria to Kurdistan. My grandparents remained in Qamishli refusing to leave, even in the knowledge that they might not survive. One uncle left for Germany and one aunt for Turkey. These two flowers represent the separation, and the pain and the longing that this war has caused.
The person represents my hope to see reunification, restoration, the flowers coming together and become whole and complete again. Please pray for the flowers of the Roj Ava"
Lorin
Hevin
"I am Hevin from the Roj Ava in Syria. I created this piece to show what is happening in Syria and to convey a meaningful message to the world. The elements of turquoise are key because they convey all the feelings that I wish for my people, tranquility, peace, freedom, balance, calm and serenity.
The dove obviously portrays the peace and pure freedom that I dream of for every person in Syria, regardless of religion or ethnic background. We all deserve peace.
The chains, with the red paint represent the blood of the martyrs and those whose sacred blood was spilled in sacrifice. It is my way of honoring those who gave their life so that God willing, the coming generation will live in a peaceful and united Syria."
Hevin
Hima
"Since the beginning of the war, Syria has suffered. Since the beginning of the war both the land and the people have been deeply wounded. The effects of that pain are still felt by us all today. Everyone in Syria carries the scars of war and suffering.
I painted cracked land, the land which reflects pain and destruction. Yet in the midst of this destruction there is still hope. Hope is not lost. The white dove bearing the olive branch symbolises the Syrian dream for an end to the years upon years of conflict which has exhausted everyone. It is our dream for peace. It is our dream to be a free people.
The green is the grass that will grow once again from the cracked dry land. Syria will rise again and we will rebuild our land.
My painting conveys a call to the world to stand with Syria, and to help us restores security and stability. Thank you."
Hima
We wish for you to hear their voice, not ours. We close with one word.
AMEN
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