Children Find Joy Amidst War and Holiday Celebrations

Despite ongoing conflict and national observances, medical staff at a Tehran hospital created a festive atmosphere for young patients and their families.

In Tehran, Iran, families marked Sizdah Bedar, a significant Nature Day celebration within the Persian calendar, on Thursday, while the nation endured continued military strikes initiated by the United States and Israel. Thousands converged on Pardisan Park, located northwest of the capital, to observe Nowruz, the Persian New Year, as political leaders continued to order attacks and escalate threats. Simultaneously, a dedicated group of medical professionals at the Children’s Medical Center, operating under the Tehran University of Medical Sciences, sought to provide a comforting experience for hospitalized children. Resident doctors and interns utilized personal funds supplemented by donations to organize recreational activities for young patients with underlying health issues. The Children’s Medical Center and its neighboring Imam Khomeini Hospital remained operational despite the widespread disruption affecting many medical facilities across Tehran and the country. While other institutions faced service suspensions due to the conflict, the hospital remained largely unaffected by the bombings, which had frequently impacted surrounding areas since the commencement of the war over a month prior. Organizers, including Dr. Samaneh Kavousi, highlighted the immense pressure and anxiety experienced by children and their families within the hospital setting. They aimed to alleviate some of this distress through carefully planned activities. Artwork created by the children, inspired by Nowruz traditions and the Haft Sin table, was displayed for their families to view during the celebration. Activities included drawing and painting, playing music, dancing, face painting, and interactive games featuring characters from popular children’s animation series like Buzz Lightyear and PAW Patrol. Each child received a gift bag containing toys and food. Dr. Zeynab Aalihaghi noted that while the hospital wasn’t directly treating war-related injuries, patient numbers had decreased since the start of the conflict. The event underscored the resilience of the community and the dedication of medical staff in offering a moment of joy and normalcy for vulnerable children amidst challenging circumstances.