Echoes of Resilience: Youssef Saad's Musical Journey in War-Torn Gaza

Youssef Saad, a 15-year-old oud player from Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, brings joy and solace to children amidst the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Despite losing his home and the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music, he performs for traumatized children, showing resilience and hope amidst turmoil.

In the heart of the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza, 15-year-old Youssef Saad navigates through bomb-scarred streets, his oud strapped to his back. Amid ongoing airstrikes, this young musician rides his bicycle to bring a moment of peace to children engulfed by conflict's daily horrors.

Saad's journey was dramatically altered after the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music, where he once studied, was decimated. Now homeless and living with relatives, he spends his days at a Jabalia day centre, offering solace through music to war-traumatized children.

Triggered by a Hamas attack on Oct. 7 that led to heavy casualties, the recent escalation in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict has inflicted widespread devastation. Determined to help improve the mental health of affected children, Saad continues his mission despite the inherent dangers, embodying resilience and hope in his war-torn homeland.

(With inputs from agencies.)