Puppet Maker Mahdi Karira Brings Joy to Displaced Children in War-Torn Gaza with Tin Can Marionettes
In the Gaza Strip during wartime, puppet maker Mahdi Karira creates figurines from old tin cans to bring joy to displaced children.
Once possessing a large collection of colorful puppets for theater performances, Karira now performs in refugee camps after being forced to flee his home in Gaza City to Deir Al-Balah.
His puppets, with human faces carved from wood or tin cans and limbs attached by strings, are displayed on the workshop walls.
A man named Karira in Gaza creates puppets using debris, fishing lines, and UN logo-stamped sardine tins due to a lack of raw materials.
The war in Gaza has displaced around 850,000 children, many of whom are now living in camps around Deir Al-Balah.
Karira aims to bring joy to these children through puppet shows and performances.
He left his previous work in Gaza City and now uses cans as his primary material.
UNICEF estimates the displacement caused by the conflict.
Karina emphasizes the importance of continuing one's work, including creating art, during times of war.
Despite the destruction of cultural heritage in Gaza, including museums and historic buildings, he believes puppets can help preserve history and tell stories to children.