On October 7, 2023, Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups launched a coordinated attack on southern Israel, marked by severe violence and destruction. Official reports indicate that 1,143 people were killed, with many more injured. Additionally, 247 individuals were taken hostage and dragged into Gaza. Among the hardest-hit communities was Kibbutz Be'eri, located near the Gaza border, where 101 of its approximately 1,000 residents were killed, and 32 were abducted.
In November 2023, I traveled to Be'eri to capture the immediate aftermath of this tragedy. The kibbutz was quiet and haunted, traces of the attack evident in shattered homes, empty playgrounds, and personal belongings left behind. Survivor Lior Alon, a resident of Be'eri, welcomed me into his home, sharing his experiences of that day—the tragic loss of neighbors, the invasion of his home, and the indelible scars left on his community.
One year later, I returned on the anniversary of the attack, finding Be'eri on the earliest stages of the path to rebuilding. In this collection, I bring together images from both visits, presenting a powerful contrast between destruction and renewal, with an honest, compassionate eye, preserving the raw reality of each moment while honoring the resilience that fuels this community’s strength.
Using natural light and avoiding overly polished compositions, I sought to preserve authenticity in each frame, allowing the emotional truth of the scene to resonate. Through contrasting spaces, I juxtaposed scenes of devastation with images showing the early stages of reconstruction. This visual contrast underscores Be'eri’s journey from trauma to healing, reflecting both the physical transformation and emotional rebuilding within the community. These images aim to convey the weight of their experience and the humanity in their endurance.
I captured memorial markers, remnants of everyday life, and tools of reconstruction, in muted tones and a subdued color palette, to let the gravity of the subject come through, inviting reflection rather than shock. This restrained approach allows the somber tones to deepen the mood without overwhelming, making space for viewers to engage thoughtfully with the story.
Each image in this collection serves as a testament to Be'eri’s journey from pain and loss to hope and renewal. Through these photographs, may we bear witness to a community’s courage and strength—a story not only of what was lost but of the spirit that continues to rise from the ashes.
