Strings for Palestine began with French musician Julien Ledru, who felt compelled to respond to the devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Like many people around the world, he watched events unfold with a growing sense of sadness, frustration and helplessness, and began asking a simple question: what could he do to help?
The answer came through the community he knew best: music.
Julien initially reached out to a small number of musicians whose work he admired, inviting them to contribute a piece of music to a charity compilation in support of the Palestine Children's Relief Fund (PCRF), an organisation providing medical care, rehabilitation and humanitarian assistance to children and families across the Middle East.
The response was immediate and overwhelming.
What began as a conversation between a handful of musicians quickly grew into an international community project. Artists from across Europe, North America and Australia responded with generosity and enthusiasm, donating unreleased recordings, rare tracks and newly created compositions. Musicians who had never met one another found themselves connected through a shared desire to support Palestinian children and families affected by conflict.
As word spread, the project continued to grow. Established and emerging artists alike offered their support, creating a collection that spans contemporary folk, American Primitive guitar, ambient music, experimental composition, improvisation and acoustic instrumental traditions. While each contributor brings a unique musical voice, every piece on the compilation is united by a shared sense of compassion and solidarity.
The album takes its title, My Heart Keeps Walking Towards You, from a poem by Palestinian writer, poet and editor Taqwa Ahmed Alawi, who was born in Gaza. The phrase captures the spirit of the project: a refusal to look away and a desire to reach out across borders through creativity, care and human connection.
The cover artwork was generously created and donated by Liverpool author, screenwriter and collage artist Jeff Young, whose distinctive visual work has become an integral part of the album's identity.
At its heart, Strings for Palestine is a simple idea. Music cannot undo suffering. It cannot rebuild a hospital or heal every wound. But music can bring people together, raise awareness, raise vital funds and remind us that solidarity matters.
Every artist involved has donated their work freely. Every purchase of the album helps support the work of PCRF. What began as a small idea has become a collective act of generosity from a global community of musicians, artists and listeners who believe that even in the darkest times, acts of kindness and compassion still have meaning.