Introduction to Safaa Odah’s Powerful Cartoon Diary
Safaa Odah, a talented cartoonist and animation artist from Gaza, has compiled her poignant diary entries into a book titled “Safaa and the Tent: Diary of a Cartoonist from Gaza”. Published by Fandango Libri, this 176-page book offers a unique glimpse into the daily life of displaced people in Gaza, showcasing the struggles and resilience of the Palestinian community. Through her softly drawn cartoons, Safaa shares her experiences, from the initial shock of bombings to the ongoing struggle for food, shelter, and hope.
Life Under Occupation
Safaa’s cartoons, created between October 2023 and December 2025, provide a powerful and emotional account of life under occupation. Her drawings depict the harsh realities of living in a war-torn area, where bombs, hunger, and fear are ever-present. The book includes an afterword by Pat Carra, featuring an interview with Safaa, which offers additional context and insights into her work. As Safaa notes, “To eat, you have to resort to ‘humanitarian’ aid, which has nothing to do with humanity”, highlighting the contradictions and challenges faced by the Palestinian people.
A Glimmer of Hope
Despite the overwhelming difficulties, Safaa’s cartoons also convey a sense of hope and resilience. Her drawings often incorporate symbolism, humor, and a feminist perspective, making her work relatable and accessible to a wide audience. The book includes a reflection on the female condition, where Safaa illustrates the challenges faced by girls and women in Gaza, including early marriage and limited opportunities. As Pat Carra notes, “I met Safaa on her social media in 2024… and we dedicated the column ‘A tent in Palestine’ to her” in the magazine Erbacce.
A Personal and Powerful Testimony
Safaa’s diary is a personal and powerful testimony to the human cost of conflict and occupation. Her cartoons have been widely shared on social media, and her book has been released in English, with the support of Licaf. As Safaa writes, “I live once burdened by hunger and decay, I am besieged by an intolerable desolation. However… from the other side of the sea, comes a voice as warm as light, which whispers to me: You are not alone… there are hearts there that feel you and extend a thread of hope”. This sentiment encapsulates the essence of her work, which seeks to connect with readers and convey the human aspect of the Palestinian experience.
For more information on Safaa Odah’s book, “Safaa and the Tent: Diary of a Cartoonist from Gaza”, please visit Here