Warmth In A Cold and Calculating Land, a photo from West Bank, East

Photographer's Note

In the hills near Bethlehem there lives a remarkable family - a family who cares about their neighbours whilst their cuckoo nest neighbours care little for them. A family who care about the rights and opportunities for children whilst they see those rights denied on a daily basis. A family which cares for the land they legally own but by the concocted laws of others they have had to fight tooth and nail through the courts for twenty years to maintain.

They have finally lost their case but won it again on appeal.....it is galling for them to see a dominant nation 'next door' administering and allocating the 'legal rights' to land in their territory......it is obviously galling for the dominant nation to see this poor farmer win a battle against them through their own courts.........for now the 'security wall' - the creeping border which gathers resources and access to water in this dry land will now encompass their land - denying them free access to their wider family on the other side............what a world we live in!

These kids were on that land when this picture was taken - they are the children of the dispossessed - they are on the land to have some fun and some relief from living in the shadow of the wall and more ominously present military occupation.

They have such stories to tell at such a young age. If only the world knew and cared.

specialist, tomescuc, Vato_Law, broglia, Dpbours, Glint, Flavia, SteveH, amino, ULIV1X, bfly oznaczył to zdjęcie jeko użyteczne

Critiques | Translate

jasmis (58653) 2009-03-01 5:21

This is really splendid double portrait. One girl with closed eyes and the other with opened. Both cute and marvellous. And whole set of elements gives us an impressive presentation.
Regards.

bantonbuju (51815) 2009-03-01 7:55

no, it's definitely not one of those "wooow, what a portrait!" scream generators, it's more like a quiet, steady example of how to turn something ordinary into something unusual...
that little thing in her left eye! that thing makes this portrait special!...

bw, j.

specialist (1181) 2009-03-01 8:33

totally agree with bantonbuju that it's the
creativity of the photographer rather than
the photographed subject that makes this shot
special. truly a 'true' photograph with a biting
note. with compliments.

kurtul

MrochaM (84) 2009-03-01 9:19

Very Nice double portrait Kev Rian. I liked the instant, the capture the joy of the faces.

Regards

tomescuc (3291) 2009-03-01 11:59

A candid image, warm, and an appropriate story to go along with. This is no gee whiz photography, just human and compassionate kind. The best, IMO.
my compliments,
Cristian

Vato_Law (12732) 2009-03-01 12:54

Hello Kev,
how nice too see some joy in the face of someone there. A land where disaster seems to be everyday's fate.
Their attitude is something very special and nice to see.
Cheers,
Paulo

broglia (3604) 2009-03-01 14:18

A quite incredible story Kev, yet in spite of it all the children still manage to smile! I can't imagine how life must be like for these people, these "dispossessed". Your portrait is almost like a little ray of hope - hope that these children may one day have a place they can truly call home.

Best regards, Roberto

Dpbours (222) 2009-03-02 3:09

Hi Kev,

A wonderful portrait and a not too objective note - though totally understandable. I surely see your point(s), but there are always two sides to every story.
I know too little about the conflict, most people do, to make any judgement calls or approve or disapprove of your note.

But yes, a wonderful portrait and an understandable note.

Greetings!
Dennis

Glint (6171) 2009-03-02 6:59

hello Kevin,
these children are guileless, bewitching and full of charm. Let's hope life can have some good things in store for them: freedom being the first.
Bev

Polonaise (5802) 2009-03-02 8:48

With the utmost charm - achievable...
And, with the utmost technicalities...

Content... Very content - g.

:-))))))

................

kschanna (6) 2009-03-04 2:15

the world stopped caring when they made the league of nations...to bring subtleties and legality to their exploitation by mandate...You know Kev, the thing about life is that it bloody goes on... and in a way its as cruel and rutheless as the ones who live it.
Great picture mate and thanks for reminding us...I wish I could swap places with you and do what you do.

Cheers
Kamran