The city of Istanbul witnessed a remarkable humanitarian initiative under the title “Gaza Life Forest”, during which 10,000 trees were planted bearing the names of Gaza’s child martyrs. The initiative was launched by Family Charter Project in partnership with several Turkish and Palestinian institutions, aiming to commemorate the children and transform their unfulfilled dreams into living symbols that grow over time.
The initiative, part of the “Plant a Tree in My Name” project led by Family Charter Project, was supported by the Turkish Forestry Directorate, Arnavutköy Municipality, Orfamder Association, Palestine Support Platform, and the Global Women’s Coalition for Jerusalem and Palestine. The project seeks to revive children’s memories through tangible humanitarian action, providing families and volunteers the chance to participate in a gesture that symbolizes life and continuity.
The event featured a range of activities, including tree planting in the names of the martyrs, a children’s drawing contest titled “Gaza and the Trees”, and symbolic theatrical performances telling the small stories of dreams that were cut short. Informational booths introduced the supporting institutions and highlighted the initiative’s human and cultural dimension.
The collective tree planting created poignant moments for participants, as each child’s name became linked to a growing tree. The Family Charter Project also compiled a dedicated registry associating each tree with the corresponding child, preserving both individual and collective memory.
The initiative is inspired by a timeless value in Islamic tradition, reflected in the hadith: “No Muslim plants a tree or sows a seed, and then a bird, person, or animal eats from it, except that it is regarded as a charity for him.” In this context, the planted trees serve as ongoing acts of charity offered to the children’s souls, and as a message of hope stretching from Istanbul to Gaza.
The event received wide engagement across social media under the hashtags:
#GazaLifeForest | #PlantATreeInMyName
#FromIstanbulToGaza | #SowingHope
The Family Charter Project affirmed that the forest will be maintained, and the 10,000 trees will remain a living witness to unfulfilled dreams and a humanitarian legacy that keeps the memory of Gaza’s children alive.
From Istanbul… the roots extend, and hope grows
