Help Publish Children of Gaza, The Kites Still Fly Photobook

Children of Gaza: The Kites Still Fly

Hello, my name is Tom Lewendon and I am a British humanitarian documentary photographer. I'm reaching out to you to help bring a very special project to life: my photo book, "Children of Gaza: The Kites Still Fly."

This year, I spent five weeks in Gaza over two missions, embedding with local and international medical staff. I spent eight nights working alongside them at Al Aqsa Hospital, one of the last remaining operational hospitals in Gaza. During this time, I witnessed stories that rarely reach the outside world. I also spent time in community mental health workshops, nutritional centres, displacement camps, and even on the beaches where, despite everything, children still find moments of joy.

This project aims to share these powerful moments of humanity and hope with the world. It captures the strength and spirit of Gaza's children as they navigate daily life amidst the harsh realities of an extremely violent conflict. Despite everything, at their core, they are just children—our children.

One moment in particular moved me profoundly and inspired me to create this photo book. I captured it in my diary:

"Walking through the southern camps of Rafah, the smell of burning plastic, cooking oil, and wood fills the evening dusk air. The rumbling booms of airstrikes are in the distance, and the low hum of the ever-present surveillance drone is flying above. We stumble upon a group of kids playing football, using 'jumpers for goalposts' on the sand. They all run over to us, asking where we are from with huge smiles on their faces. I tell them I am from England, and one of the boys rattles off the names of English football players: John Terry, Lampard, Rooney, Bellingham, Beckham. They ask us to play, and of course, we oblige. The sun was setting, the air was warm, and we were playing football with the beautiful children of Gaza. For a moment, I forgot where I was, transported back to my own childhood, playing with my mates down the park in the evening sun in England, without a care in the world. For 20 minutes, we were just playing football and having fun just as we all did as kids. I took a mental step back and took it all in, watching these kids smashing some amazing free kicks through the posts. I thought of when I was their age and what worries I had compared to them. It was bittersweet; I felt guilty and a sense of dread but didn't show it on my face. As the calls to prayer rang out over the loudspeakers in the distance, we said our goodbyes. I think about the kids every day, about all the children I met. If we didn't make their evening better, they certainly made ours."

Why Your Support Matters

Children make up 47% of Gaza's population, thats over 1.1 million. Many are now seeking refuge with their families in tents within displacement camps scattered around southern Gaza. They endure the harsh realities of war: witnessing unspeakable things, losing loved ones, and living in unfamiliar, cramped, noisy, and disease-ridden conditions.

Despite the immense challenges they face, including a lack of basic necessities like food, water, and sanitation, and the constant threat of aerial bombardment, the children of Gaza still find moments of joy and laughter. They craft beautiful kites from discarded plastic and sticks, flying them high into the Gazan sky. They play football in rare open spaces and fish in the Mediterranean Sea.

My photo book captures these moments of innocence and joy, as well as the profound loss and tragedy they experience. Through my photographs and stories, I aim to highlight their strength, courage, and unwavering humanity.

This book will feature around 120 to 150 photographs, capturing the essence of these children's lives and their enduring spirit. I plan to include personal accounts, messages, and stories directly from some of the children, providing an authentic and raw perspective of their experiences. Additionally, I'll include simple illustrations and instructions on how to make the iconic kites they create, allowing readers to connect even more deeply with their world.

How You Can Help

Publishing this book is essential to sharing these stories that go beyond the headlines and challenge the desensitisation often seen in mainstream news coverage. Your support will help cover the costs of printing and distributing the book, ensuring that these important narratives reach a global audience.

Any additional funds raised will go towards printing more copies, and a portion of the book's sales will support my initiative to help Gazan children through photography. I plan to teach them photography skills, setting assignments to empower them to depict their world in their own way. This initiative aims to give them a voice and a means to share their stories directly with the world.

€100 Donation:

As a heartfelt thank-you for your support, I would love to send you a signed postcard print from the "Kites Still Fly" series. This small gesture, along with a personal note, means so much to have you be part of this journey.

€200 Donation:

To express my gratitude for your generosity, I would like to share a signed 8x12 inch (20.32 x 30.48 cm) fine art print of your choice from the series, accompanied by a personal note. This gift represents your meaningful contribution to bringing these images and stories to a wider audience.

€300 and over Donation:

Your support at this level makes a huge difference. To show my appreciation, I would be honoured to send you a signed copy of the book and a signed fine art print from the series. This is my way of saying thank you for immersing yourself in the full narrative of this important project.

€750 Donation:

I am deeply grateful for your incredible generosity. To express my appreciation, I would like to share two signed books, three signed fine art prints, and a small vial of sand collected from the beach in Gaza. These tokens are a meaningful way to connect you to the place and people featured in this project.

£1,500 Donation:

For your exceptional support, I am offering three signed books, five signed fine art prints of your choice, and a small vial of sand from Gazan beach (taken with permission) . Additionally, I would like to acknowledge your kindness by including your name in the book as a key supporter. Your generosity is helping to ensure these stories reach a global audience.

Every Bit of Support Counts

No matter the amount, your support makes a real difference, and I'm deeply grateful for it. To show my appreciation, everyone who donates will have the opportunity to purchase the book before it's available to the public, ensuring you're among the first to receive it and, hopefully, share the stories and photos within.

Thank You

Thank you for taking the time to read about my project. Your support means the world to me and to the children whose stories I hope to share. Together, we can help shine a light on their lives and bring their resilience and hope to the global stage.

Let's make a difference together.