About Ed Walwail
I harness curiosity and technology to cultivate skills that enable humanity to embody emotions, memories, and imagination through artistry to problem-solve, enhance and build web, marketing and design solutions everywhere.
I am an artist and storyteller who relocated from the West Bank, Palestine, to Canada as a new immigrant. At Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver, I honed my artistic and design skills while complementing them with studies in Marketing and IT solutions. My passion lies in spearheading multimedia projects that tackle problem-solving and enhancement, aiming to guide individuals towards discovering their life’s purpose.
As an immigrant, I aspire to bridge cultural divides through storytelling to foster peace and harmony. Witnessing the suffering and destruction in my homeland deeply affects me, motivating me to create impactful works.
I decided that I would like to do all kind of media projects for those who seeks the things they are searching for by creating a tool that helps to bridge, fuel and help to push further. This world is so dark that we are in-need to light. If you have a candle in your heart, you can face the darkness.
From Palestine to Canada
Ed’s story from Balata Camp to Canada is a testament to resilience and hope amidst adversity. Growing up in one of the largest and most overcrowded refugee camps in the West Bank, he was surrounded by the harsh realities of life in an environment plagued by inadequate infrastructure, constant military operations, and severe economic hardships.
Balata Camp, with its narrow alleys and limited public spaces, presents daily challenges for its residents. The camp’s overcrowding, lack of privacy, and the persistent threat of military raids contribute to a tense and often frightening atmosphere, particularly for young children. The situation is exacerbated by high unemployment rates and significant poverty, with many families struggling to make ends meet.
For Ed, the experience of growing up in such conditions was marked by both hardship and the strength of family. His father’s death after one year of his birth and the challenges faced by their large family mother were met with resilience, particularly through the support of a strong mother who played a pivotal role in holding the family together. The family shop, established in 1967 as the first shop in the camp, symbolized a beacon of hope and stability amid the turmoil. It not only provided a livelihood but also served as a source of pride and continuity for the family also, providing a peaceful safe space for everyone to grow and heal. Our family was always aimed for equality, goodness and peace.
Ed’s journey from Balata Camp to Canada reflects a remarkable transition from a life marked by struggle and limited prospects to one where new opportunities and a different environment offer hope for a better future. His story highlights the broader experiences of many who have faced similar challenges and have sought to build new lives and peace in different parts of the world.
Why Ed?
Ed’s journey to Canada was profoundly influenced by the kindness and support of those who saw his potential and believed in his vision for a better world. Sponsored by the Red Cross and supported by American doctors who volunteered in Bethlehem from the U.S. Ed’s story reflects a deep connection between compassion and the drive for change.
These volunteers, working in the Bethlehem church, recognized Ed’s unique qualities: his creativity, passion, and unwavering respect for all people regardless of race, language, or religion. They saw in him a rare ability to envision and strive for peace through genuine human connection. For them, Ed represented a hope that individual efforts, rooted in empathy and mutual respect, could contribute to broader efforts towards peace.
In Canada, this support and belief in Ed’s potential likely provided him with the foundation needed to flourish and make a meaningful impact. His ability to view and treat people as humans first, valuing their inherent dignity, became a cornerstone of his approach to fostering understanding and unity.
The journey from Balata Camp to Canada, facilitated by the sponsorship and belief of these compassionate individuals, is a powerful example of how personal commitment and support can transform lives and contribute to a greater good. Ed’s story is not just about overcoming adversity but also about harnessing one’s experiences and values to make a difference in the world, but things are not working well for Ed since Canada did not accept him
Currently, things aren’t going well for Ed. Although Canada gladly accepted him, he wasn’t given a slight basic support or resources needed for people in his situation. As a result, he is living a very limited life in increasingly constrained conditions nonstop. With your help, however, I hope to find guidance and get him on the right track.
My mission as an artist is to shed light on what makes us human and explore all its aspects. By creating meaningful art with a higher purpose, I aim to raise awareness and address the challenging parts of our human experience. Humanity needs significant work like never before, and I strive to make a positive impact.
