Soliman’s Flute Sounds Out his Grief over his Destroyed House in Rafah
(AWP) - A sad tune from a flute penetrates the silent walls of a Palestinian man’s house, which was razed to the ground in an Israeli raid on the southern Gaza Strip, highlighting a grim picture of a family whose breadwinner has nothing left except his favorite musical instrument.
Soliman al-Rabayeh’s flute, which he has carried with him for years, helps him accepting the reality that he and his four children face after an Israeli raid destroyed his house in Rafah.
Each day, Soliman picks a piece of debris to sit on and plays his sad melodies to his father and children.
“My house was bombed. It is gone. This flute is my only consolation. I put the feelings I have in my heart into the flute,” said 44-year-old Soliman.
His audience were bathed in a bittersweet feeling from the simple acoustic instrument that allows Soliman to release his sorrow.
“I have always loved the flute, ever since I was a boy. I like the oud (lute) and the flute, but I like the flute more. It is a very sad instrument and very expressive. The flute is the best instrument. It sends a sweet emotion that can make you happy or sad; you can laugh and cry at the same time. I have always played it. Whenever I go, my flute is always with me,” said Soliman.