The Apple That Wasn't Eaten
My colleague and I started an art therapy session with a group of 9 and 10-year-old girls. Some of them were displaced because of the military invasions in the refugee camps in the West Bank. We started the session, but the children were not fully focused. I asked them if they felt bored with what we do.
Donia said, "I am hungry."
We paused for a few seconds. Everyone was silent. The other children's eyes and their tired faces seemed to say, "We are hungry too."
Her beautiful eyes were half closed and shy. But she wanted to draw. She wanted to express her sadness after the destruction of their house. She wanted to heal and imagine herself building a future again.
My colleague decided to go to the nearest market to buy apples, one for each child. Twenty minutes later, we gave them the apples and noticed that they were more engaged.
But Donia did not eat her apple. She put it in her pocket.
We didn't ask her, so she wouldn't feel embarrassed.
The session finished. All went home.
The day after, her father called and asked if we had given the children apples. He was suspicious. Where does his little girl bring a very expensive fruit from?
I said yes, we did.
He said, "You know how expensive fruits have become. I cannot afford to buy it for my six children anymore. Donia brought her apple home to share with her younger brother and sister."
🍎 $60 provides seeds for a family greenhouse.
🍞 $50 provides emergency food for a family.
🕊️ $30 provides a therapy session and a meal.