photo humanity grant presents:
Through their Lens: Gaza untold stories
February 7th- March 29th, 2025
A Compelling Photography Exhibition Showcasing Life and Resistance in Gaza A powerful new photography exhibition:
“Through Their Lens: Gaza Untold Stories,” brings to light the extraordinary work of Gaza-based photographers who document the realities of life under one of the world’s most violent genocides. This exhibition is a vivid portrayal of the immense hardships endured, the unwavering resistance displayed, and the indomitable spirit of survival in Gaza, Palestine. Featuring the works of eleven exceptional photographers—Abdulrahman Zagout, Ahmad Salamah, Ali Jadallah, Belal Alhams, Fatima Shbair, Belal Khaled, Jehad Alshrafi, Mahmoud Abu Hamda, Majdi Fathi, Anas Ayyad and Hammam Younis—the exhibition provides an intimate look into the human cost of conflict and the resilience of a people striving for dignity and justice. Through their lens, the photographers reveal stories that transcend borders, inviting viewers to reflect on themes of solidarity, hope, and the ongoing struggle for human rights. This exhibition also highlights the transformative role of the Photo Humanity Grant. By providing these talented photographers with the resources to deepen their craft, the grant has amplified their voices on the global stage. Each image is not only a testament to their artistry but also a call to action, challenging us to confront uncomfortable truths and engage with the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The exhibition includes information about local efforts to end the genocide and persecution of Palestinians as these issues manifest locally.
“If only I were a candle in the dark” - Mahmoud Darwish
We invite you to process, grieve and honor through ritual, reflection and offerings. In the middle of this exhibition, you will find a space to do so. Community members are encouraged to bring offerings such as natural plants, herbs and elements from your home or community, candles, flowers, and/or symbols of resistance and light.
about the Artists:
Majdi Fathi Suleiman Qraiqea is a photographer and TV storyteller. He has covered events in various fields in collaboration with a wide array of institutions. He has been awarded the Turkey Anadolu Agency Award in 2012, Sharjah Prize for Arab Image in 2014, Press House Award in 2019, Dar Al-Kalima University Prize, No New World Order in 2020, Dar Al Kalima University Prize, Karima Abboud Prize for Photography in 2021, and the Arab Photographers Union Award - Sharjah Calligraphy Forum, sponsored by the Department of Culture in the United Arab Emirates.
Jehad Al-Shrafi (b. 2002) is an independent photojournalist from Gaza, Palestine. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Management and Economics, specializing in Digital Marketing. Al-Shrafi dedicates his time documenting humanitarian events, specifically the impact of the ongoing war on Gaza, aiming to amplify the voices of the victims and raise global awareness for their issues. He works with international agencies and newspapers, contributing to humanitarian and artistic projects to make a positive impact, and fully believes in the power of photography to spread humanitarian messages and inspire change.
Abdul Rahman Zaqout (b. 1985) has been working as a photographer since 2009. He holds a BA in Media from Al-Aqsa University in Gaza City. Immediately after graduation, he was appointed as a teaching assistant in the Media Department within the university in 2008. He now works as a freelance photojournalist for many local and international news agencies and institutions and as a part-time lecturer for the photography course at the University of Palestine. Zaqout specializes in producing photo-stories. He has produced dozens of photo-stories of life in Gaza and had his works displayed in several local and international exhibitions. He was awarded the first prize in the International Committee of the Red Cross Photography Competition in 2018, and won first place in the Press House Competition for the Press Photo for the year in 2019. He was chosen as a representative of the State of Palestine in the World Photo Week held in Germany in 2022 and won the American Bowie Award for covering the famine in the Gaza War in 2023.
Mahmoud Abu Hamda is a photographer and filmmaker based in Gaza City. He specializes in storytelling through documentary photography and emotionally rich visuals. His work focuses on capturing human experiences and authentic moments, blending artistic creativity with realism. Abu Hamda also conducts workshops on photography and filmmaking for young people in his community. He is passionate about shedding light on humanitarian and social issues through visual arts.
Ali Jadallah is a Gaza-based photographer specializing in showcasing the beauty of the Gaza Strip. However, since October 7, 2023, his focus has shifted to documenting the devastating genocide in Gaza. Throughout his career, Ali has received several prestigious awards for his work including the Word Press Masterclass, Poy Award, The Siena International Photo Award, TIME's Top 10 Photos of 2024 and The Guardian Outstanding Photographers of 2024, in addition to other awards.
Belal Khaled (b. 1992) is a Palestinian photographer and calligraphy artists born in Gaza. He began photographing when he found himself amidst the turbulent reality of Gaza's conflicts and joined the Anadolu Agency in 2013. He has covered Israeli aggression on Gaza in 2014 and again in 2021. Currently, he remains in the line of fire, documenting the ongoing genocide in Gaza initiated by Israel since October 7, 2023. Over the years, Belal has reported on wars in Syria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, the coup in Zimbabwe, and famines in Somalia. Serving as Director of Photography at TRT, he supervised the production of numerous short films and reports worldwide. His images have been published in international newspapers and featured on magazine covers, including the Wall Street Journal, Time, and The Guardian. In 2020, he shed light on the refugee crisis at the Greek border, capturing exclusive photos revealing the severe impact of torture on refugees subjected to violence by Greek security forces. Belal received several international awards and participated in numerous international and local exhibitions and festivals in Europe, America, and the Middle East.
Belal Al-Hams is a Palestinian photographer from Gaza with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Therapy from Al-Azhar University in Gaza. Al-Hams has been working in the field of photography for eight years focusing on product and commercial photography. Recently, due to the war on Gaza, he turned to humanitarian photography to document the stories surrounding him, conveying the reality of his society to the world. Belal is a recipient of the Photo Humanity Gran, Gaza Edition. Al-Hams believes that images can be more powerful than words, and that art can build bridges even in the most difficult circumstances.
Fatima Alzahra Shbair is a Gaza-based photojournalist focusing on the human impact of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. A self-taught photographer, she captures themes of resilience, culture, and life in conflict zones. Since 2022, she has been a staff photographer with the Associated Press, covering breaking news and personal stories in Gaza. Her work highlights the untold stories of those affected by conflict, showcasing the strength and struggles of communities. Shbair’s photography aims to amplify voices that are often overlooked in mainstream media.
Ahmed Salama (b. 1994) is a Palestinian photographer from Gaza, documenting daily life in Gaza. He founded the “MyStory” project in which he published hundreds of stories of Gazans. He participated in a solo exhibition titled “Window on Gaza” in Belfast in 2018 and published two books “Children of Gaza”, documenting the lives of children in Gaza, and “Bedouins between the Present and the Past” documenting the customs, traditions and life of the Bedouins. He won several international and local awards including “Youth Photographer”, PSA and JGS in 2015. Salama participated in international and local exhibitions, including those of the Red Cross and the Press House and works as a visual content creator for several international and local institutions, including ANERA, and the Global Empowerment and Cooperation Mission.
Anas Ayyad and Hammam Younis's biographies could not be obtained for this exhibition due to the current circumstances in Gaza.
