Blog

I had to take an MRI scan of my head. As I lay there, surrounded by the metallic, rhythmic sounds of the machine, I started hearing it as music — as a landscape of tones. I thought: these sounds could be used. These could be ambient. Ambient music has always held a special place in my life. It doesn’t demand, it invites. It lets me be present without having to perform. I listen to the sounds of the forest, the wind, airplanes far above — everything becomes part of a larger sound painting. For me, ambient is a way of understanding the world. It gives space for stillness, emotion, and reflection. My life is better because of ambient. It brings calm — and a sense of connection between the inner and outer, between the human and the sound itself.

During the Trump administration, several charitable organizations in the United States lost the federal support that had previously enabled them to work for climate action, human rights, equality, and social justice. Many of these organizations were small but played an important role in their local communities. I want to look more closely at which ones were affected and how this has influenced their work since. This is an example of how political priorities can reshape the foundation for civic engagement. Removing funding from organizations that protect the environment or support marginalized groups sends a message about values – and about the kind of society one wishes to build.

World Mental Health Day is observed every year on October 10 to promote openness, understanding, and solidarity. The theme changes each year, but the message is always the same: mental health concerns all of us. Art, music, and film have often been tools to express the unspoken – and for me, this day is about creating space for vulnerability. When we dare to talk about mental health, we grow stronger as a community. Recognizing pain and uncertainty is not a weakness, but a form of strength – and a reminder that no one stands alone.

Outsider art refers to artists working outside established institutions – often self-taught, without formal training, and with a deeply personal voice. I’m drawn to how these works can feel raw, unfiltered, and inventive, without needing to fit into any particular system. Many associate outsider art with marginalized perspectives: mental health, life outside the norm, or entirely different ways of seeing. To me, it’s a reminder that art doesn’t need approval to be true – and that powerful expressions often emerge where rules and expectations don’t dominate.

The Israel–Palestine conflict is one of the most enduring and complex conflicts in modern history. Here is a broad overview: **Origins and the founding of Israel** The conflict’s roots reach back to the late 19th century, with Zionism and Arab nationalism. After World War I, Palestine became a British Mandate. In 1947, the UN adopted a partition plan dividing Palestine into Jewish and Arab states. Jews accepted it; Arab states and Palestinian leadership rejected it. When Israel declared independence in 1948, war broke out with neighboring Arab states. (Read more on [BBC](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-29362505)) **Wars and occupation** After the Six-Day War in 1967, Israel occupied the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Gaza, and Golan Heights. Controversial settlements in occupied territories have expanded since then. The conflict has seen many wars and uprisings (Intifadas), notably in 1987–1993 and 2000–2005. (Read more on [Encyclopaedia Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/event/Arab-Israeli-wars) and [UN – UNISPAL](https://www.un.org/unispal/)) **Peace efforts and challenges** Numerous peace processes have been attempted, including the Oslo Accords (1993), Camp David (2000), and later negotiations. Major obstacles include the status of Jerusalem, the right of return for Palestinian refugees, settlements, and security. (Read more on [USIP](https://www.usip.org/publications/1999/06/overview-israel-palestine-conflict)) **Current situation** Today, the West Bank is partly under Palestinian authority and partly under Israeli control. Gaza is governed by Hamas and faces blockade and recurring conflict. Humanitarian challenges are severe, with limited access to water, electricity, health services, and freedom of movement for Palestinians. (Read more on [Al Jazeera](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/10/what-is-gaza-conflict-quick-guide) and [B’Tselem](https://www.btselem.org/)) The conflict has deep historical, religious, and political dimensions, and a solution demands justice, mutual recognition, and compromise on both sides.