In a poignant ceremony held on the last day of the 2023-2024 academic year, symbolic report cards were flown into the sky on balloons bearing the colors of the Palestinian flag, commemorating the Palestinian children who could not receive their report cards this year due to the ongoing Israeli genocide.

The event, organized by the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of National Education, took place at Bakırköy Halil Vedat Fıratlı Primary School under the theme "No Child in Palestine Graduated This Year." Symbolic report cards were tied to hundreds of balloons and released into the sky in solidarity with the affected children of Palestine.

Speaking at the ceremony, Istanbul Provincial Director of National Education Assoc. Prof. Dr. Murat Mücahit Yentür highlighted the significance of the day. "Today is the last day of our 2023-2024 academic year. We give report cards to our children, but today is a different day. Our children are giving a report card to the whole world. They are saying that children should not die, women should not die, houses and schools should not be destroyed. May love, peace, and brotherhood multiply in this world," said Yentür.

Yentür continued his speech by addressing the broader implications of the ceremony. "It means that going forward in science, industry, and technology alone is not enough. Justice, mercy, compassion, and conscience are the common language, common excitement, and common message of all humanity. We will teach our children all the innovations and developments in science and technology, but it is also our most important duty to teach them empathy, respect for the rights of others, and the sanctity of human rights."

He concluded by expressing gratitude and hope, "The tiny heart of these children covered a huge world and gave us hope and light. I thank each and every one of them. I applaud each and every one of them. I am glad you exist. I hope we will see a more beautiful world with you."

The ceremony not only served as a tribute to the Palestinian children but also as a call to the global community to recognize and act against the injustices faced by civilians in conflict zones. The symbolic act of releasing report cards into the sky was a powerful gesture, underscoring the importance of peace, empathy, and human rights in building a better future for all. (ILKHA)