From Dublin to Gaza: A Story of Shared Struggle Illustrated by an Irish Artist, Dearbhla Glynn

Amr El Kady -

Besides being a graduate of the Limerick School of Art and Design, a designer, and a scenic artist, Dearbhla Glynn is an award-winning documentary filmmaker. Her works of art involved human rights, disrupting oppression, and transforming sombre atmospheres into peaceful and pleasant spaces. Inspired by her eagerness for justice and serenity, she filmed several documentaries on countries such as Palestine, Iraq, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Her documentary, Gaza: Film AwardPost-Operation Cast Lead, won the grand prize at the ICCL Human Rights Film Award in 2010. It also highlighted the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal by advocating for Peace Justice and Strong Institutions.  

Throughout the years, art has been an essential asset used to inspire people to action and to express resistance against oppressive systems, especially for marginalized people, whose voices are less heard. It was quite remarkable for Glynn to invest effort and dedicate time to such endeavours.

A history marked by the shedding of innocent blood, reflecting the shared struggles of two distinct populations For over eight centuries, Ireland suffered from the atrocities and oppression of Britain, and for decades, Palestinians have been facing acts of brutality, savagery, monstrosity, and wickedness at the hands of the Israeli forces.

An olive tree was planted to commemorate Land Day in Palestine. Image courtesy of Palestinian Return Centre.

Trapped, traumatized, and terrorized, the people of Gaza are not even allowed to reconstruct their own homes again, while the barbaric Israeli forces aim to destroy the infrastructure of the Gaza Strip. The ongoing terrorism, genocide, mass slaughter, carpet-bombing, and butchery by the Israeli occupation never ceased. They blockade all roads, block communications, cut electricity and water, and deliberately impede humanitarian aid destined for the people of Gaza.  Their actions continue to be marked by unspeakable, sinister, and abhorrent deeds. 

Glynn, along with many other filmmakers, has wholeheartedly stood shoulder to shoulder-with the people of Palestine in their longing for freedom, decolonization, and truth. A mutual feeling that Irish people too experienced and knew very well. Subsequently, Glynn filmed her first documentary in Gaza. An impassioned snapshot of the daily lives of Gazans in the wake of the Operation Cast Lead offensive in 2010.

“I made this film to raise awareness of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. They are completely isolated, alienated, and, even given recent events, feel that the world has forgotten about them,” said Glynn after succeeding in entering Gaza to film her documentary, Gaza: Post-Operation Cast Lead.

By witnessing the lives of children and adults in Gaza, these scenes inhabited a place in her consciousness, and she perceived parallels with the Irish experience. Artistic signs and graffiti, celebrating the resilience of the Palestinian people and highlighting the strong bond between the Irish and Palestinian communities, adorn various cities throughout Ireland. Additionally, many individuals can be seen proudly donning the Palestinian keffiyeh, while Palestinian flags proudly wave from homes. These actions are a testament to Glynn's unwavering advocacy for the freedom and rights of Palestine.

A projected image of "Gaza" on the cliffs of Moher, Ireland. Photo by Maurice Gunning. Image courtesy of Glynn's Instagram.

In 2021, alongside Glynn and fellow Irish activists, a powerful display of solidarity was showcased on the cliffs of Moher, near Ardeamush, Lisdoonvarna. This projection bore the name "Gaza" and stood as a light beam of unity, a beacon of hope blazing across the sea, expressing the feelings of both love and grief.

“We dedicated it to six-year-old Suzy, five-month-old Omar, ten-year-old Aziz, Roula, Yara, and all the other children and adults in Gaza,” later expressed Glynn Dearbhla on her Instagram page. “We see you. We grieve with you. From Ireland with love."

Overall, Dearbhla Glynn's journey is a testament to the transformative power of art in the face of oppression and conflict. Dearbhla Glynn's legacy reminds us that art and the human spirit can inspire change, bridging divides and amplifying voices in our shared journey toward a more just and peaceful world.