Thousands of shoes covered Scheveningen Beach in The Hague in a public memorial honoring children killed in Gaza. Held near the Kurhaus, the installation brought together hundreds of participants in a peaceful demonstration, transforming part of the beach into a symbolic tribute to young lives lost.
According to organizers, the display commemorated more than 7,000 children killed in Gaza during the Israeli genocide. The event marked the 18th memorial protest held in the Netherlands in solidarity with Palestinians.
Rather than banners or sculptures, the memorial relied on a simple but powerful symbol: thousands of children’s shoes spread across the shoreline. Each pair represented a child whose life was cut short, turning the beach into a stark visual reminder of the war’s devastating humanitarian toll.
Participants gathered throughout the day near the Kurzaal hall, carrying messages of solidarity and calling for greater awareness of the ongoing suffering in Gaza.
Talking to The New Arab, Event organizer Esther van der Most said the memorial was also a call for continued public action.
“Sometimes it feels like our government isn’t listening, but I’m urging everyone to never give up. This is a genocide.”
Her remarks reflected the frustration felt by many demonstrators, who say public pressure remains essential in demanding accountability and protecting civilians.
Palestinian-Dutch journalist and writer Amal Karam explained why the beach was chosen as the setting for the memorial.
“In a similar place in Gaza, on the beach, more than once, Palestinian children were either killed while enjoying life or are living in a very difficult situation.”
The installation connected the peaceful shores of Scheveningen with Gaza’s coastline, highlighting how places associated with childhood and recreation have instead become scenes of loss and tragedy for many Palestinian families.
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