Dutch activists display art memorializing Hind Rajab in Netherlands

A vehicle representing the tragedy of five-year-old Hind Rajab, who was killed along with her family during an 'Israeli' attack in Gaza on Jan. 29, 2024, has been put on display in the Netherlands.

The exhibition, held at Utrecht’s Stadhuis Square, was organized by Dutch resident Cemal Arican with the help of volunteers. The modified vehicle, marked with symbolic bullet holes, serves as a reminder of Hind’s story and as a tribute to Palestinian children who have lost their lives in the war.

Visitors gathered around the display, placing flowers on the car while receiving brochures recounting Hind’s final moments. The exhibition will continue moving across Dutch cities every weekend, with the next stop scheduled for Utrecht’s Vredenburg Square.

Arican said the project was born out of frustration and helplessness. “I needed to do something for what is happening in Gaza. The idea came to me to exhibit a representation of the car in which Hind Rajab was killed,” he told Anadolu Agency.

He explained that he and his cousins reworked a junkyard car to resemble the one Hind’s family had been in during the fatal attack.

“Rather than remain helpless, at least this way we can draw attention to Hind and other children who lost their lives and tell people about what is happening in Gaza,” he added.

Arican also revealed plans to take the exhibit beyond the Netherlands, bringing the symbolic car to other countries in hopes of amplifying awareness.

- The murder of Hind Rajab -

Hind Rajab’s death in 2024 shocked Palestinians and the international community. Her family’s car came under 'Israeli' fire in Gaza’s Tel al-Hawa neighborhood, killing her uncle, aunt, and three cousins. Hind and another cousin initially survived, managing to contact the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) for help.

The children reported they were under attack from an 'Israeli' tank, but before paramedics could reach them, Hind’s cousin was killed. Hind remained trapped in the vehicle for hours, speaking to PRCS workers by phone until communication was lost.

When 'Israeli' forces finally pulled out of the area, rescue teams reached the site on February 10. They discovered Hind’s body along with the paramedics who had tried to save her.