The Palestinian Domain

These photos are not staged. I did not want to reduce people to mere ornamental function.

How you view these photos today, will likely be tinted with the knowledge of what was to come for Palestine.

While many people in Palestine have lost their homes, I believe these photos can return to Palestinians what they need the most: their homeland.

This initiative is not aligned to any political movement or pressure group. I give an especially warm welcome to Israelis.

Photos of Life In Palestine (2011)

LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM

Bethlehem, Palestine, June 2011

A Palestinian farmer with his goats, poses for the photo, as we walk past.

The agricultural sector formally employs 13.4 % of the population and informally employs 90% of the population (Council for European Palestinian Relations).

Agriculture has historical and cultural significance.

Farming used to be a significant part of the Palestinian economy, contributing 28% of the GDP. Today it contributes about 5.8% (Oslo Accords, 1993).

BETHLEHEM WALL

Bethlehem, Palestine, June 2011

In 2002 Israel built a wall along the border of Israel and the occupied territories. Certain areas, including Bethlehem, are divided by concrete slabs 9 metres high at the highest point and barbed wire for about 708 kilometers (439 miles) long.

In 2004, the International Court of Justice in The Hague, made the decision to condemn this wall.

While this may seem an unlikely spot for coffee and creative inspiration, locals and tourists find a space for creativity that they most likely would not have found elsewhere.

FRESH EGGS

Hebron Market, Hebron, Palestine, June 2011

HERBS & SPICES

Hebron Market, Hebron, Palestine, June 2011

PALESTINIAN GIRL

Hebron Market, Hebron, Palestine, June 2011

CARPET WEAVER

Hebron Market, Hebron, Palestine, June 2011

FIG TREE PHANTOM 1

Ramallah, Palestine, June 2011

A Palestinian child hides, flying a kite, behind a fig tree.

FIG TREE PHANTOM 2

Ramallah, Palestine, June 2011

After seeing me with my camera, two Palestinian children come out to say hello.

WAKE UP & SMELL THE COFFEE
Nablus, Palestine, June 2011

This is obviously a parody of a coffee giant. The cafe is actually a chain across Palestine. I have chosen this picture because it underscores the difference between Israel and occupied Palestine. Israel has franchises and brands that compete in the World’s market. Meanwhile; on the other side of the wall, in occupied Palestine, separated from the Jewish state, Palestinians can only strive for such things, yet they do so with admirable impunity.