Ramallah Friends School
I expect to be in Israel & Palestine from March 5 thru June 1, 2006. I will be photographing the troubled situation thru a compassionate heart to open the window just a little when I’m back home in the United States.
Here's how the trip looks:
The political situation is unknown. So far, a few kidnappings, some hostility toward Denmark and the European Union because of the Danish cartoons maligning Islam and the Prophet, a growing resentment against Americans (altho on my last trip I was treated with respect by most I met) and a huge mystery about how power will be distributed after the recent landslide victory of Hamas. Also of course, the large unknown of succession after Sharon's debilitating illness. And now Israel, the United States and the European Union threatens to block funding unless Hamas accedes to their demands. This could inspire the newly elected Palestinian Authority to seek funding from Arabic-Muslim countries, like Iran, with the possible consequence of encouraging al-Qaeda to root itself in the occupied territories.
For my photography, the water issue is beginning to take root. I am in touch with individuals and organizations in Palestine, Israel, and the US in the water community. Altho water is tough to photograph—so much is invisible, pipes, wells, aquifers—I plan to concentrate not only on the politics of water but how the water woes (with huge potential wars, in the Promised Land and globally) affect the earth.
Pesagot, Israeli Jewish settlement, Ramallah
The American Friends Service Committee in Ramallah is interested in having me photograph and possibly conduct photo training for them, in exchange for room and board. The director promised to introduce me to Baladna, the Association of Arab Youth, based in Haifa, for another photo gig. For me this might be one of the fulfillments of a long held dream to reside awhile in Haifa, closer to the Galilee, with better access to the region of most of Christ's teachings.
I have rented an apartment in Ramallah, thanks to the grounds supervisor at the Ramallah Friends School and the principal. In addition, I might conduct informal photo workshops in the after school program.
The Gaza Community Mental Health Program would like to have me photograph, continuing one of my best experiences from the second trip, and can supply housing for about one month. They advise I wait awhile before dropping by, maybe until April, to assess the new political situation and the security questions.
Injured in Gaza by an Israeli sniper
This is an ideal time to be in Ramallah, with Jean Zaru, presiding clerk of Ramallah Friends Meeting, and the newly forming Ramallah Friends' International Center. It aspires to be a center for the nonviolent resolution of the conflict. I could be available for any sort of duties, pending my schedule.
When I return home in June, I have an open month to digest the experience. Over the ensuing year or so, I'll produce slide shows and print exhibits, submit photos to publications, install yet more images and words on my ballooning website, and eventually hibernate somewhere quiet to write. Maybe in my beloved Napa valley, thanks to my partner of nearly 18 years, Louise.
From September 2006 I'll be available to visit your communities and organizations with my photos and stories. Please consider inviting me.
Please write me if you’d like to be on my email report list while I’m traveling.
So, see you all on the other side, down the road. We are all just passing thru.
Fondly,
—Skip