A powerful exhibition of artworks painted by young people with disabilities in response to October 7 is set to tour UK Jewish communities.

Twenty-four vibrant paintings by people aged between 17 to 23 convey a striking range of emotions connected to the terrorist attacks, the hostage crisis and the war.

Many of the pieces are by people who were evacuated from the Gaza envelope and the north to the Shalva National Center in Jerusalem, which provides support services for people with disabilities and their families on a daily basis.

The centre, which has been housing evacuees in accommodation usually reserved for respite care, is open to people of all religions and ethnic backgrounds.

Explaining the idea behind the exhibition, titled Living Through War – an Artistic Depiction, art therapist at Shalva Avital Sternberg said that after October 7 and with the subsequent war, it was “critical” for people to find ways to express and process what they were feeling.

“With all the chaos that has surrounded the war, evacuations, hostages and murders, it is difficult for anyone to cope with their reality. Emotions can be suffocating and overwhelming.

“In times like these, finding methods of expression and processing that allow one to think through what they are experiencing is most critical.”

Sternberg said that for children and adults with disabilities, art therapy formed “a vital part of their healing process as they have a much harder time expressing themselves with words”.

“They are able to communicate some of their trauma and their view of the world on and since October 7th.”

She said that she and her colleagues had been “astounded by the breadth of emotion, communication and healing that evolved through this process” and that the artwork would give visitors “a glimpse” into the way people with disabilities experienced the realities of war.

“Through art, we are able to promote a deeper understanding of one another despite the complications of comprehending how the other may experience his or her reality.”

Lewis Bloch, CEO of Shalva UK, which raises funds for Shalva, said: “The intention is to be able to bring this wonderful work to a greater audience. Art is a very important part of our overall therapeutic input.”

As well as being shown in the UK, the exhibition is also touring Sweden and other countries in Asia,

​If your synagogue, school or organisation is interested in hosting Living Through War – An Artistic Depiction, you can contact Shalva UK via email: lewis@shalvauk.org