On Saturday 7th February 2025, a replica of the car in which Hind Rajab and her family were murdered will be exhibited in Sheffield, in front of the Town Hall. Details of the event can be found here
We asked Khalid, who is part for Engagement 2030, how he and his co-creators put this exhibit together.
Do you have a group identity, or was the replica car a spontaneous idea?
Our group identity is rooted in speaking out against injustice wherever it occurs and amplifying the voices of those who are silenced. The replica car was not a spontaneous act; it was a deliberate and considered initiative aimed at raising awareness of the suffering endured by oppressed communities around the world, particularly those whose realities are often overlooked or normalised.
What was your motivation or intention?
Our motivation was to keep the memory of the children of Gaza alive in the public conscience. Hind Rajabβs story, while tragically one among thousands, resonated deeply because it unfolded in real time and starkly illustrated the scale of injustice being endured. Through this project, we sought to ensure that such stories are not forgotten or reduced to statistics.
How did you go about creating the installation?
We were clear from the outset about what we wanted to convey. By replicating elements of the tragedy, we aimed to create a powerful visual representation that would allow people to grasp, even briefly, the level of suffering taking place. Our intention was to prompt reflection and moral questioning: how can such events occur in the modern world, in 2025, before our very eyes?
If you are a group, does it have a name?
Yes. We established a group called Engagement2030, operating under the umbrella of the As-Siraat Organisation. Engagement2030 is a platform designed to engage wider communities, foster dialogue, and raise awareness of pressing global issues, social injustices, and contemporary challenges.
Are you art students, students of another discipline, or neither?
We are a collective of individuals from varied backgrounds rather than a formal group of art students. Our work is driven by social consciousness and ethical responsibility rather than academic affiliation.
Where are you based?
Our organisation is based in Derby, though we work in partnership with organisations and communities across the UK.
Where has the replica car been exhibited?
To date, the installation has travelled to Coventry, Birmingham, Walsall, Manchester, Derby, and Peterborough. Upcoming events are planned in York, Sheffield, and Edinburgh. This remains a growing campaign, with further locations anticipated as awareness continues to build.
How was the βdamage/holesβ design achieved?
The visual effects were created with the support of a skilled engineer, ensuring the design conveyed the intended impact while remaining structurally safe.
Do you have other Palestine-related art projects planned?
We operate as a fluid and responsive collective and are open to undertaking time-based and issue-driven projects as opportunities arise. Our focus remains on initiatives that meaningfully engage the public and encourage awareness, reflection, and dialogue.
