Palestine

Damascus Gate, one of the eight entrances into the Old City of Jerusalem.

With human activity dated to at least 4,500 years ago, Jerusalem is one of the oldest cities on the planet. The Walls defining the Old City were built in 1538, resulting in an area of only 0.9 square kilometers that’s home to many sites of seminal r… — With human activity dated to at least 4,500 years ago, Jerusalem is one of the oldest cities on the planet. The Walls defining the Old City were built in 1538, resulting in an area of only 0.9 square kilometers that’s home to many sites of seminal religious importance; the Temple Mount with its Western Wall, Dome of the Rock and al-Aqsa Mosque, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and others. The Old City has been traditionally divided into four Quarters, known as the Armenian, Christian, Jewish, and Muslim Quarters. Jerusalem has been razed at least twice, besieged 2 dozen times and captured and recaptured another 44 times. The City is a World Heritage Site and on the List of World Heritage in Danger.

Images showing the before and after of the Har Homa settlement adjacent to the biblical city of Bethlehem, Palestine. The Settlement (background) was built in the 90’s and is not recognized as legal under international law. With bus service to nearb… — Images showing the before and after of the Har Homa settlement adjacent to the biblical city of Bethlehem, Palestine. The Settlement (background) was built in the 90’s and is not recognized as legal under international law. With bus service to nearby Jerusalem, the modern community of over 25,000 is, as often the case, strictly off limits to Palestinians and disproportionately uses scarce resources.

Ahmed with Siti, his grandmother, at his childhood home in the village of Deir Istiya, June, 2008. Ahmed and his brother were both arrested by the IDF and tortured as teenagers for peacefully protesting Israel’s 70 year Occupation.

Interfaith and international activists in the Occupied city of Hebron.

Brothers pose for a photo beneath mesh meant to catch the stones (visible) thrown from Israeli settlers in the apartments above. IDF snipers manned the rooftops.

A man walks down the now empty streets of Hebron’s once bustling market.

Though I’ve been fortunate to travel my whole life, Palestine remains one of my most impactful trips. These images mean a great deal to me, and even after twelve years they’re still difficult to share. What I saw in The Occupied Territories broke my heart. I hope these photos don’t disappoint those who shared their time with me, educated and inspired me, and that they raise just a little bit of awareness. All photos taken June, 2008