Osprey V: Unyielding Spirit of Rock Music and Resistance in Gaza

Osprey V, the first and only English-speaking rock band from Gaza, has emerged as a powerful voice amid the turmoil of war and displacement. Their music resonates with the experiences of a people under siege, bringing forth a narrative of resilience and defiance. This band not only serves as a witness to the struggles in Gaza but also as a beacon of hope, sharing their story through a unique blend of rock music.

The journey of Osprey V began back in 2003 when cousins Raji and Mo’men envisioned forming a rock band in a region ravaged by conflict. Despite facing immense challenges, including a lack of instruments, music teachers, and a safe environment to perform, their dream persisted. Here are some key milestones in their journey:

• 2003: Raji and Mo’men conceive the idea of forming a band.
• 2010: They begin teaching themselves to play guitar online.
• 2015: Osprey V is officially founded with the addition of their cousin Sa’ed.

The band’s name, Osprey V, holds significant meaning. The osprey, a symbol of resilience, reflects their struggle to rise from the ashes of destruction. The “V” stands for the five original members, embodying unity and defiance. In the beginning, they even obscured their identities to let their music speak for itself.

Under the leadership of Raji Al Jaru, who opened Gaza’s first music store and established over 100 makeshift studios, Osprey V emerged as a symbol of defiance against the backdrop of oppression. Raji recalls the difficulties they faced: “We had to suffer a lot to make this happen, but we made it happen.”

As the recent conflict erupted in October, the band faced yet another hurdle as their fragile shelter was destroyed. Raji shared a harrowing experience: “Literally in the war, the bombing was happening. We stopped a little bit, stopped the recording, then we paused and just continued. I had to record in a car because we didn’t have a place to record in.”

Now based in Jordan, Raji reflects on the trauma of displacement and the ongoing plight of those left behind, including his family and bandmate Mo’men. He describes the urgency of fleeing: “You have to take what you can within five to ten minutes.”

Despite these challenges, Raji and his friends continued to create music. They adapted to the loss of internet access by creatively finding ways to communicate and collaborate with others abroad. “The only thing that saved my life was my music… it kept me going,” he expresses.

Osprey V has taken on the role of “the voice of the voiceless,” using their music not just as an artistic expression but as a form of resistance. Raji poignantly states, “We are literally the last musical voice from Gaza… witnesses of this new 2023 Holocaust.” Their songs encapsulate themes of loss, love, and the longing for home.

One of their poignant tracks, “Lost and Insecure,” explores the heartbreak of lovers separated by conflict, while “Angels Kneel” delves into the moral dilemmas faced in times of atrocity. Raji shares, “I altered the lyrics in the beginning when the genocide started… These faces are going to haunt us every single day until the day we die.”

Choosing rock music and singing in English were deliberate decisions for the band. Raji believes that rock is a genre deeply rooted in resistance and is a universal language of solidarity. “Even rock stars and big bands before used this same genre in World War I and World War II,” he notes, emphasizing its historical significance.

Osprey V’s music also aims to confront Western perceptions of Gaza and Palestine. Raji explains, “It was so important to be the ambassadors of Gaza people… We are from Gaza, Gaza is from us.” However, their art faces relentless challenges, including censorship and threats to their safety.

In this tumultuous environment, collaboration has become a lifeline. Canadian drummer Ash Moniz, who joined the band, has played a crucial role in connecting displaced musicians with resources. He believes that listening to their stories can create a different understanding of the situation. “Every form of life in Gaza is a form of resistance, and art is such an important part,” he states.

Osprey V aspires not only to raise awareness but also to inspire tangible change. Their music has been used for fundraising efforts, such as digging wells in Gaza. Raji insists, “Music could become an action on the ground, financially supporting people, and mentally—as a message that could really define it all.”

The emotional toll of their journey is immense. Raji recounts the loss of friends and collaborators, yet he remains steadfast in his commitment to their cause. “The only terrorist in the region is Israel. The only cancer we have is Israel,” he asserts, highlighting the harsh realities they face.

His love for Gaza is unwavering: “I am 100 percent Gazan. My world revolves around Gaza.” He recalls its rich cultural diversity, a community that has thrived despite ongoing violence. Osprey V will continue to represent Gaza, as Raji states, “Even if we left Gaza, Gaza is still within us.”

In their film “Inaudible,” Osprey V implores the world not just to hear, but to truly listen—to the cries of artists and the hopes of a generation. Ash shares a hopeful perspective: “Maybe even if people are hearing the screams over and over… they will hear a song and it touches them in a way they never knew before.”

Osprey V, while scattered across borders, remains united in spirit. Raji and Ash are in Jordan, Sa’ed is in Egypt, and Mo’men holds the fort in Gaza. Their narrative continues to unfold, filled with anger and resilience. For each silenced voice, they respond with music, fueled by an unyielding will to survive and witness.

“As long as our voices, and the voices of the unheard, echo somewhere in the world,” Raji declares, “Gaza is not finished. Our story isn’t over. We are the voice of the voiceless, and we will keep singing.”