Local artist Phil Buehler recently unveiled a moving memorial display in Bushwick, Brooklyn, with the intention of bringing attention to a tragic reality that many people may not be aware of. The installation, titled “Wall of Tears,” lists the names of an estimated 18,500 children who were killed in Gaza by Israel between October 2023 and July 2025.
Buehler’s 50-foot-long banner is mounted on a fence at 12 Grattan Street, situated between a trendy tea shop and a bar adorned with anti-ICE posters. Despite the frigid temperatures on the day of the unveiling, pedestrians passing by either hurried past or paused to read the heartbreaking list of names.
As a Bronx-raised photographer, Buehler has a history of creating public art projects that shed light on important social issues. His collaboration with Radio Free Brooklyn on the “Wall of Tears” is no different, as it serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating toll of violence on innocent children. The installation will be on display until February 15, allowing visitors to reflect on the staggering loss of life.
The names featured on the banner were sourced from data compiled by the Gaza Health Ministry, as reported by the Washington Post. Each name is organized by date of death, with gender indicated by different shades of tan. Babies who were killed before their first birthday are denoted with “<1." The installation serves as a somber tribute to the young lives lost in a conflict that continues to ravage communities. In addition to “Wall of Tears,” Buehler has created other banner-type works that tackle pressing issues, such as the 2022 “Wall of Liars and Deniers” and the 2025 “Wall of Shame.” However, his latest project holds a different tone, focusing on the human cost of violence and conflict in a deeply personal and emotive way.
The unveiling of “Wall of Tears” coincided with the second anniversary of the tragic death of five-year-old Hind Rajab, who was killed by the Israeli military in 2024. Rajab’s story, captured in a haunting recording of her final pleas for help, serves as a stark reminder of the human impact of political turmoil and violence. Buehler’s hope is that through art, he can reach people in a way that traditional media cannot. By visually presenting the names and faces of the children lost to conflict, he aims to provoke thought, spark conversation, and ultimately, inspire action. As he aptly quotes James Baldwin, “The role of the artist is exactly the same as the role of the lover. If I love you, I have to make you conscious of the things you don’t see.” As the installation continues to draw attention in Bushwick, Buehler plans to invite local officials, including Mayor Zohran Mamdani, to engage with the artwork and its message. Through his art, Buehler hopes to raise awareness, challenge perceptions, and ultimately, honor the memory of the children whose lives were tragically cut short.
