Thousands of names, written in Arabic and English, fill the Wall of Tears. Beside each is an age, a record of 18,457 Palestinian children killed in Gaza.
The powerful artwork has opened in Port Kembla, drawing more than 100 people, including political leaders and families who have lost loved ones in Gaza, after its planned exhibition at Shoalhaven Regional Gallery was controversially cancelled.
Created by New York artist Phil Buehler, the installation records the names of children reported killed in Gaza between October 7, 2023 and July 19, 2025.
The exhibition was due to appear at Shoalhaven Regional Gallery in Nowra, but Shoalhaven City Council cancelled the booking, citing safety concerns. The decision drew criticism from organisers and supporters.
The artwork was subsequently displayed at the Uniting Church Hall in Berry, attracting around 300 visitors. This week it’s at The Servo’s NASA Gallery and Studios, organised by Natalie Moran from Wollongong Friends of Palestine.
Palestinian Australian Safaa Rayan opened the exhibition. The names are deeply personal.
Her grandparents fled their village during the Nakba in 1948, expecting to return within two weeks. Instead, they made their home in the Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, where generations of her family grew up.
Ms Rayan told the gathering that 48 members of her extended family had been killed since October 2023, including her cousin’s son Obeida, whose name appears on the wall.
She spoke of the guilt she feels raising her children safely in Australia while their relatives in Gaza struggle to survive.
“What is it about me that means my kids get to live in safety, wake up in the morning, go to school, have breakfast, complain that the Wi-Fi is down?” she asked.
Her daughter Fatima followed with a poem about Obeida, who was the same age as her when he was killed.
“Today, I had the privilege to have small problems,” she said.
Australian Greens leader and Senator for NSW David Shoebridge recalled first seeing the artwork outside Federal Parliament in Canberra.
He praised local campaigners for bringing the exhibition to Port Kembla.
“It’s powerful for a reason because it tells the truth that much of the world wants to look away from, and once you start looking, it’s so hard to look away from that work.”
Greens Candidate for Wollongong, Malika Reese, said the exhibition gave people an opportunity to grieve
together.
“This exhibition is of value because it allows us to unite together in our grief for what has happened and continues to happen,” she said.
“I truly believe that all children are our children and it takes not just a village but a world to raise and protect them.”
Member for Cunningham, Alison Byrnes, encouraged people to see the exhibition while it was in the area.
“The Wall of Tears is very moving, haunting and thought-provoking,” she said.
“I’m pleased this memorial has come to Port Kembla, and I encourage people across the Illawarra to take the time to come and see it before Thursday.”
The exhibition also features 210 ceramic vessels created by artists from Clay Wollongong, inspired by ancient vessels used to collect tears during mourning.
Each represents 100 Palestinian children killed in Gaza, with the installation intended as an expression of solidarity and shared grief.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong Paul Scully, Wollongong Lord Mayor Tania Brown, Member for Whitlam MP Carol Berry, Greens Candidate for Heathcote Nick McLaren and Independent Candidate for Keira Kylie Flament also attended the exhibition.
The Wall of Tears is on display at NASA Gallery and Studios, 6–8 Wentworth Street, Port Kembla, until Thursday, November 19, from noon to 6pm daily. Entry is free.