Gazan violinist Sama Nijm has been teaching violin to children against the backdrop of war, in an effort to uphold a sense of structure, purpose and beauty in their lives
A 16-year-old violinist is using music to help comfort young victims of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Sama Nijm, who lives in Gaza, has been playing the violin since she was eleven and was a violin and singing student at the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music in Gaza City until 7 October 2023.
She believes her music making helps bring solace to children living amid war, creating a sense of community and belonging. Many children have lost family members, their homes, and even parts of their own bodies.
In an interview with BBC Newshour, Nijm was asked how music lessons helps the children with their mental health. She states that music making is a way for the children to heal from the traumas of war, and helps them have a sense of childhood. She believes the lessons give the children a sense of structure, purpose and beauty.
She faces numerous challenges when holding lessons, including a dearth of instruments, broken strings and no safe places to teach. Many children are suffering from hunger and trauma, lacking energy and focus to play the violin.
Others have lost limbs, so Nijm adapts the way they play the instrument. One of her students, Mohammed Abu Eida, lost his right hand in the war, preventing him from playing the oud. Nijm convinced him to switch to violin, which he plays with a bow tied to his right arm.
Additionally, teaching violin against the backdrop of war and suffering takes a great emotional toll on Nijm and her students.
Nijm dreams to become ’a famous violinist’ and to play in an orchestra.
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