Middle East peace author talks to kids at Shepherd's Bush Theatre

Following the new release of Michael Morpurgo’s recent book, ‘The Kites are Flying’ about children’s lives in Israel and Gaza, Michael gave a talk about his book, and told stories from his recent trip to the Middle East with Save the Children last week at the newly openned Bush Theatre in the old library building.
A recently appointed Literary Ambassador for Save the Children, Michael Morpurgo, will be going to fly kites with children in Israel and in Gaza, taking the time to meet those children’s family, friends, visit their schools and hear about their daily lives. Michael Morpurgo’s new book explains that the calamity of the ongoing unrest and the permanent border sitting between Israel and Gaza is a longstanding issue that doesn’t always make sense to children. Children’s hopes and dreams for peace can fly higher than any wall dividing communities and religions.
For a one-evening special at the Bush, Michael spoke to children and their families about his first ever visit to Gaza, talking about the tragedy of the lives of some children and families in the area, but also of the hope ringed with joy that children’s tales can bring.

Working in peacebuilding myself this is a subject very close to my heart, and it's a very nice change to see the Middle East conflict reflected in a balanced way from both perspectives rather than a biased view from either side. It's only through that approach that there can be any hope for a long lasting solution. And much credit to the Bush Theatre for hosting this innovative event.
Julie Etchingham, ITV News reader, chaired Michael’s talk.