A new nonprofit initiative, Bubbles Not Bombs, is launching with a mission to bring simple play experiences to children living in active conflict zones, using bubble kits as both humanitarian aid and emotional support tools.
The organization debuts Saturday, April 11, alongside the Tech for Palestine Conference and the departure of the Global Sumud Flotilla, with initial shipments of bubble kits traveling by boat to Gaza. The kits — made from soap, rope, and sticks — are designed to be easily distributed and used in high-stress environments.
Founded by Paola Dyboski, the initiative builds on more than 15 years of experience working with refugee children through Dr Zigs, a Welsh toy company. The program focuses on the role of play in supporting children’s emotional well-being, particularly in situations of trauma and displacement.
“You can’t stop a war with bubbles,” Dyboski says. “But we hope to give children moments to breathe, to laugh, to play — moments to forget the bombing, the fear, the loss of a parent, the loss of their home and toys.”
Clinical experts working with the organization note that activities like bubble play can help kids regulate breathing, reduce anxiety, and create moments of calm. The nonprofit is partnering with play therapists and aid organizations to integrate these tools into broader support efforts.
“Play with bubbles provides a safe, joyful, and developmentally appropriate way for traumatized children to regulate their emotions and rebuild a sense of safety,” explains Dr. Mary-Anne Pasteur, Clinical Psychologist.
Initial distributions are already underway in Gaza and Lebanon, with additional deliveries planned for kids affected by conflict in Sudan and Myanmar. According to the organization, the first shipment of 100 kits is expected to reach approximately 2,000 children.
“Our children live through bombing every day, and they deserve moments of joy and safety,” says Mousa Saadi Al-Sayed, the father of a child who received bubbles, in a video shared by the organization. “The look in my son’s eyes as the bubbles rise reminds me that children just want to play, to laugh, and to feel safe — even for a moment.”
In addition to delivering supplies, Bubbles Not Bombs aims to responsibly document and share children’s experiences in conflict zones, raising awareness while expanding support through global partnerships.
The launch marks the start of a broader effort to scale the initiative through on-the-ground collaborators and public engagement, positioning play as a meaningful component of humanitarian response.
Learn more at bubbles-not-bombs.org or through the nonprofit’s LinkTree and Instagram.
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