Artist Zivi Kivi is using balloons to stand up and take a stand against Hamas and the tactics they use to get their point across. Here is what he had to say.

"My name is Zivi Kivi, a Certified Balloon Artist from Israel. Normally, I use my art as entertainment for kids and families, but lately we are under missile fire from Gaza and a war is forced on this country. Over 80% of the population in Israel are forced to live in fear from Hamas rockets that terrorize us and the tunnels that cross between Gaza and Israel have become attack tunnels. The fight back is not only taking a toll on us, but as well on Palestinians, with human casualties for us all. If that wasn't bad enough, Hamas is using civilians as human shields, including helpless babies.
I have decide to take a stand and use balloons as a medium to pass on a political message about Hamas. My message is simple, "It is wrong to use human shields, and especially the defenceless babies". Doing so makes them terrorists, and the world needs to know.
The advantage for using this medium (balloons) for portraying terrorists is very clear. You can look at the balloon sculpture of the terrorist holding a baby and a gun, and feel relatively safe. Even when the balloon pops or explodes, you can feel safe. Not so with the real soldiers.
Please read my original blog post, and view pictures and read about the concept of "the balloon test". Basically, balloons are supposed to be fun and happy. But when the represented form is of a terrorist the results is opposite.
http://www.blog.zivikivi.co.il/balloonsartist/balloon-test-another-approach-consider-sides-conflict-hamas-israel-balloon-art-reflects-reality/
Someday, I hope to use balloons only to make people happy, and that the peace will come back very soon."
I have decide to take a stand and use balloons as a medium to pass on a political message about Hamas. My message is simple, "It is wrong to use human shields, and especially the defenceless babies". Doing so makes them terrorists, and the world needs to know.
The advantage for using this medium (balloons) for portraying terrorists is very clear. You can look at the balloon sculpture of the terrorist holding a baby and a gun, and feel relatively safe. Even when the balloon pops or explodes, you can feel safe. Not so with the real soldiers.
Please read my original blog post, and view pictures and read about the concept of "the balloon test". Basically, balloons are supposed to be fun and happy. But when the represented form is of a terrorist the results is opposite.
http://www.blog.zivikivi.co.il/balloonsartist/balloon-test-another-approach-consider-sides-conflict-hamas-israel-balloon-art-reflects-reality/
Someday, I hope to use balloons only to make people happy, and that the peace will come back very soon."