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גלעד קוולרצ'יק / ידיעות אחרונות

Gilad Kavalerchik / Yedioth Ahronoth

Local Testimony 2015

Gallery

2015

  • LOCAL TESTIMONY 2015

    DANA WOHLFEILER-LALKIN, INITIATOR AND MANAGER OF LOCAL TESTIMONY


    The work of photojournalism and documentary photography is complex. In his work, the phonographer draws on a myriad of skills, which require sharp instincts, quick reflexes, a recognition of the strength of the image and its contribution to the construction of the narrative, a sensitivity to the photographed human condition, and a creation of a composition of historical and cultural value. The photographer must make use of these multiple skills, while simultaneously confronting the limitations of the field, exposure to physical threats and difficult changing weather and light conditions throughout long and unusual hours of waiting. The photo is hence forged from the

    amalgamation of the photographer's observation, alertness, astuteness, and his sense of purpose.


    These days, we find ourselves, once again, facing a complex and turbulent political situation and a growing concern from an escalation. The photos and images of the knife events of the fall of 2015, which are washing over the media, demonstrate the pivotal place of the visual expression in the formation of the documented political reality. In an era in which governments and organizations make every possible effort to seize control of our conception of reality, the cultural role of photojournalism and documentary photography becomes even more crucial, as the public must also take more responsibility, and must consume the images with care critic, as well as diligently read the information surrounding them.


    The members of the Local Testimony editorial board meticulously follow the development of the language of photography, media, and documentation in order to sustain a meaningful selection process and showcase an annual exhibition of the finest photographs.


    Local Testimony works at the service of the photographers, whose work makes the exhibition possible, and the vast audience visiting it every year. New trends in photography, technological developments, and changing ethical considerations are only some of the issues that lie before us.


    We consider it of great importance that photographers find in Local Testimony a permanent residence, which represents the cultural and social significance of their work. We will continue to promote the field of hotojournalism and documenting photography, with the well-deserved appreciation and respect to all those who engage in this complex field. 


    Local Testimony is an annual exhibition of photojournalism and documenting photography, which has been showcasing in Israel since 2003, alongside the international exhibition World Press Photo. Local Testimony provides a framework to express the cultural qualities of local documentary photography and demonstrate its cultural significance. This form of photography manifests a complex dimension of human life, which does not receive full exposure in mainstream media. My gratitude to the jury for their devoted and meticulous work during the different

    phases of the judgment process, up to the crucial phase of selecting the photos to be showcased in the exhibition.

  • A BANAL PHOTO

    VARDI KAHANA, LOCAL TESTIMONY CURATOR


    The photo Jon and Alex has granted Mads Nissen, a Danish photographer, the Photo of the Year prize in the World Press Photo contest. The text accompanying the photo, reads as follows: “… a gay couple share an intimate moment at Alex’s home… Life for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people is becoming increasingly difficult in Russia. Sexual minorities face legal and social discrimination, harassment, and even violent hate-crime attacks from conservative religious and nationalistic groups."


    The winning photos of WPP contest throughout the years, have given the world glimpses of wars, severe conflicts, and natural disasters, primarily in the Third World and the Middle East. Therefore, it seems, on January 2015, that there is a declarative dimension in the selection of the winning photo made by the international jury of the WPP, which is based in Amsterdam. As if they are saying: after years of focusing on the endless wars raging in remote regions, we can, for a change, expose what is happening close to us - enlightened Europe - in a powerful neighboring nation.


    The jurors' agenda is apparent not only in their choice of topic, but also, and maybe especially, in the way it is represented. Two lovers in a romantic, soft, ideal image. A photo, which in the West would be considered banal, yet, in the country in which it was taken it is a dangerous provocation.


    When the winner was announced in January 2015, one would assume that in enlightened and democratic Israel, his photo would be considered banal, too beautiful, kitsch, and, anyway, the LGBT community in Israel is recognized and receives frequent representation in Local Testimony, in colorful photos from the Gay Pride Parade in the “society” category. The “News” category is mostly reserved for photos of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.


    And then August 30th arrived, the day in which, one, Yishai Schlisse, broke into the ranks of the Gay Parade in Jerusalem, with only one purpose – to murder. He drove his knife into the bodies of seven youths. Shira Banki, a 16 years old high school student, died from her stab wounds three days later.


    And while he was yet speaking, there came also another. The following night, August 31st, anonymous jewish terrorists threw Molotov cocktails in Duma village and set fire to the home of the Dawabsheh family, with all its residents in it. Baby Ali was burnt to death; and a few days later, after a prolonged struggle for their life, his parents, Saad and Reham, died from their injuries. Four years old Ahmad, the only one of his family to survive, suffered severe burns on his entire body.


    Is there a difference between the murderer Yishai Schlisse and the beheading Isis terrorists? And is there a real difference between those who murdered the Dawabsheh family and those who murdered the Fogel family? They all murdered in the name of God, with deliberate malice, a sacred evil, and a hatred of the other.


    These are the harsh events, which represent the news of the passing year. The ramifications continue to haunt us, and will most likely determine the public agenda for many days to come. As these very lines are written, Israel is flooded with a wave of stabbing terrorist attacks. One attack follows on the heels of another. And in response, vindictive acts of violence are committed.


    These days, hatred is the discourse.


    Local Testimony is left with only one responsibility - placing the mirror in front of us. Be it as difficult, bloody, and ugly as it may be.


    If we could only have selected for the photo of the year a banal image of two lovers.

Photo of the year

AFP

Menahem Kahana

Palestinian women dismayed at the sight of the house of the Dawabsheh family.

Duma village, south of Nablus

3 August 2015

Series of the Year

Freelance Photographer

Kobi Wolf

The Jordan Valley - A Firing Zone
The Jordan Valley, which was occupied in 1967, is a large region with a sparse population. 2,700 Palestinians inhabit these terrains, in twenty shepherding communities. Throughout the years, the state of Israel declared large regions in the valley as firing zones. From time to time, the army informs the communities that they must temporarily evacuate for training purposes. The frequent evacuations stir fear and uncertainty among the inhabitants. Every time they are evacuated, the families are forced to leave behind their homes and some of their belonging, pack basic equipment, leave with their children and their herds, and find shelter from the weather elsewhere. Unexploded shells left on the grounds after the training severely injure the shepherds and have even caused the deaths of some.

3 August 2015

Duma village, south of Nablus

News

Police holding down Yishai Schlissel, a few seconds after he stabbed and severely injured seven participants of the Gay Pride Parade. The stab wounds caused the death of Shira Banki, a 16 years old high-school student. Schlissel committed the stabbing a month after his release from a ten year prison sentence for a similar offence: attempt of murder of three participants of the Gay Pride Parade in Jerusalem in 2005.

1st prize

Single

News

Emil Salman

Haaretz

Police holding down Yishai Schlissel, a few seconds after he stabbed and severely injured seven participants of the Gay Pride Parade. The stab wounds caused the death of Shira Banki, a 16 years old high-school student. Schlissel committed the stabbing a month after his release from a ten year prison sentence for a similar offence: attempt of murder of three participants of the Gay Pride Parade in Jerusalem in 2005.

Jerusalem

30 July 2015

Business owners in the Muslim quarter locking their shops, due to a closure imposed on the Old City, following the assassination attempt on Yehuda Glick.

2nd prize

Single

News

Freelance Photographer

Kobi Wolf

Business owners in the Muslim quarter locking their shops, due to a closure imposed on the Old City, following the assassination attempt on Yehuda Glick.

The Old City, Jerusalem,

אוקטובר 2014

Disturbances after Friday prayers at Ras al-Amud neighborhood.

3rd prize

Single

News

Freelance Photographer

Noam Moskowitz

Disturbances after Friday prayers at Ras al-Amud neighborhood.

East Jerusalem

October 2015

On July 31, Molotov cocktails were thrown into the bedroom of Dawabsheh family, setting the house with its residents in it on fire. Baby, Ali Saad, was burnt to death and his parents, Saad and Reham, died from their injuries after several days of struggling for their lives. Four years old Muhammad suffered burns all over his body. The writings sprayed outside their house and other findings on the ground pointed towards the involvement of extreme right wing activists. The deadly arson was part of a string of Jewish terrorist acts, in which churches and mosques were set on fire. The severe terrorist attack led to disturbances in the territories, worldwide condemnation, and international protests. A few right-wing extremists were placed in administrative detention; however, up to writing these very words, no one has been brought to trial on suspicion of involvement in this act.

1st prize

Series

News

Activestills

Oren Ziv

On July 31, Molotov cocktails were thrown into the bedroom of Dawabsheh family, setting the house with its residents in it on fire. Baby, Ali Saad, was burnt to death and his parents, Saad and Reham, died from their injuries after several days of struggling for their lives. Four years old Muhammad suffered burns all over his body. The writings sprayed outside their house and other findings on the ground pointed towards the involvement of extreme right wing activists. The deadly arson was part of a string of Jewish terrorist acts, in which churches and mosques were set on fire. The severe terrorist attack led to disturbances in the territories, worldwide condemnation, and international protests. A few right-wing extremists were placed in administrative detention; however, up to writing these very words, no one has been brought to trial on suspicion of involvement in this act.

Duma village, south of Nablus

31 July 2015

Youths from the Ethiopian community protesting against racism, discrimination, and police brutality.
The protesters demonstrated in front of the government offices next to Azrieli Towers, blockaded Ayalon Highway, and marched through the streets up to Rabin Square. The gathering in the square was turbulent and the police used horses, water hoses, and flash grenades to disperse it.

2nd prize

Series

News

Freelance Photographer

Dan Haimovich

Youths from the Ethiopian community protesting against racism, discrimination, and police brutality.
The protesters demonstrated in front of the government offices next to Azrieli Towers, blockaded Ayalon Highway, and marched through the streets up to Rabin Square. The gathering in the square was turbulent and the police used horses, water hoses, and flash grenades to disperse it.

Tel Aviv

3 May 2015 and 22 June 2015

lections 2015
Image Description:
Isaac (Bougie) Herzog
City Market, Beit She'an

3rd prize

Series

News

Uriel Sinai

The New York Times

lections 2015
Image Description:
Isaac (Bougie) Herzog
City Market, Beit She'an

February 2015

Elections 2015. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu enters Harel Hall at the Prime Minister’s Offices, in which he held the press conference announcing his decision to dissolve the government and hold new elections.

Single

News

Emil Salman

Haaretz

Elections 2015. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu enters Harel Hall at the Prime Minister’s Offices, in which he held the press conference announcing his decision to dissolve the government and hold new elections.

Jerusalem

2 December 2014

Elections 2015. Zehava Gal-On in an elevator on her way to the lecture hall.

Single

News

Reuven Kastro

Elections 2015. Zehava Gal-On in an elevator on her way to the lecture hall.

Ramat Gan College

מרס 2015

Elections 2015. Isaac (Bougie) Herzog visits the Orthodox Archbishop at his home.

News

Freelance Photographer

Edward Kaprov

Elections 2015. Isaac (Bougie) Herzog visits the Orthodox Archbishop at his home.

Haifa

December 2014

Selfie. Prime-Minister’s wife, Sara Netanyahu, at a meeting with lone soldiers.

Single

News

Flash 90

Amir Levy

Selfie. Prime-Minister’s wife, Sara Netanyahu, at a meeting with lone soldiers.

An army base in the center of Israel

March 2015

Election 2015. Avigdor Lieberman in the makeup room before a broadcast.

Single

News

Walla NEWS

Reuven Kastro

Election 2015. Avigdor Lieberman in the makeup room before a broadcast.

Tel Aviv

February 2015

The five decades land dispute at Neve Amal ended this year, much to the charging of many residents. Four towers with eight-hundred apartments will be built in the area, which is considered one of Israel’s most prestigious real estates.

Single

News

Walla NEWS

Dror Einav

The five decades land dispute at Neve Amal ended this year, much to the charging of many residents. Four towers with eight-hundred apartments will be built in the area, which is considered one of Israel’s most prestigious real estates.

Tel Aviv

September 2014

A Palestinian youth taking a break from throwing stones, during the riots in Issawiya.

Single

News

Getty Images

Ilia Yefimovich

A Palestinian youth taking a break from throwing stones, during the riots in Issawiya.

Jerusalem

October 2014

An arson terrorist attack on the Church of the Multiplication, one of the sacred Christian sites within the areas of the state of Israel. Serious damage was caused to the structure, and the hallway was destroyed and blackened. Graffiti was sprayed on the wall citing “falls idols will be smashed” - a quotation from the Aleinu Leshabe’ach (We must praise the lord) prayer, which relates to the abolition of idol worship. The suspects, two right-wing, Jewish extremist, were apprehended and brought into custody.

Single

News

AP

Ariel Schalit

An arson terrorist attack on the Church of the Multiplication, one of the sacred Christian sites within the areas of the state of Israel. Serious damage was caused to the structure, and the hallway was destroyed and blackened. Graffiti was sprayed on the wall citing “falls idols will be smashed” - a quotation from the Aleinu Leshabe’ach (We must praise the lord) prayer, which relates to the abolition of idol worship. The suspects, two right-wing, Jewish extremist, were apprehended and brought into custody.

Tabgha, Shore of the Sea of Galilee

18 June 2015

Following Operation Protective Edge, Secretary-General of the UN Ban Ki-moon takes a tour of one of the tunnels of the Hamas.

Single

News

GPO

Haim Zach

Following Operation Protective Edge, Secretary-General of the UN Ban Ki-moon takes a tour of one of the tunnels of the Hamas.

Kibbutz Ein HaShlosha,

October 2014

Gay Pride Parade.

Single

News

EPA

Atef Safadi

Gay Pride Parade.

Jerusalem

30 July 2015

The synagogue foyer at Har-Nof neighborhood, after the terrorist attack that claimed the lives of five of the people who came to pray, as well as a police officer.

Single

News

GPO

Kobi Gideon

The synagogue foyer at Har-Nof neighborhood, after the terrorist attack that claimed the lives of five of the people who came to pray, as well as a police officer.

Jerusalem

18 November 2014

Society and Community

A child from the Jewish community in Hebron mimicking an IDF soldier, who is patrolling the street while the President of Israel, Reuven Rivlin, visits the city.

1st prize

Single

Society and community

Abir Sultan

EPA

A child from the Jewish community in Hebron mimicking an IDF soldier, who is patrolling the street while the President of Israel, Reuven Rivlin, visits the city.

Hebron

February 2015

An African migrant leaving the Holot detention center in Ktzi’ot, after the supreme court ruled that the detention period will not exceed 12 months.

2nd prize

Single

Society and community

Amir Cohen

Reuters

An African migrant leaving the Holot detention center in Ktzi’ot, after the supreme court ruled that the detention period will not exceed 12 months.

Ktzi’ot

August 2015

Palestinian families from Ramallah visiting the beach.

3rd prize

Single

Society and community

Felix Lupa

Freelance Photographer

Palestinian families from Ramallah visiting the beach.

Jaffa

22 July 2015

On January 14, Sami al-Jaar was killed during a police drug bust in his neighborhood. Thousands participated in his funeral procession. A police car, which happened upon the crowd, caused an uproar and was stoned. Police forces were called to assist, and shot tear gas and sponge grenades in the cemetery. Sami Ibrahim Zayadna died as a result of inhaling the gas, and dozens were wounded. The death of the two Rahat residents caused a surge of outrage and sparked a wave of protests. The protests against the conduct of the police, as well as the many years of discrimination, led to violent disturbance, which lasted a few days.

1st prize

Series

Society and community

Oren Ziv

Activestills

On January 14, Sami al-Jaar was killed during a police drug bust in his neighborhood. Thousands participated in his funeral procession. A police car, which happened upon the crowd, caused an uproar and was stoned. Police forces were called to assist, and shot tear gas and sponge grenades in the cemetery. Sami Ibrahim Zayadna died as a result of inhaling the gas, and dozens were wounded. The death of the two Rahat residents caused a surge of outrage and sparked a wave of protests. The protests against the conduct of the police, as well as the many years of discrimination, led to violent disturbance, which lasted a few days.

Rahat

18-20 January 2015

A family workshop for clay vessels.

2nd prize

Series

Society and community

Edward Kaprov

Freelance Photographer

A family workshop for clay vessels.

Hebron

October 2014

Avshalom Levi, native of Musrara, returns to his childhood heroes, the leaders and activists of the "Black Panthers" movement, and raises a "wall of fame" in their honour.

3rd prize

Series

Society and community

Avshalom Levi

Freelance Photographer

Avshalom Levi, native of Musrara, returns to his childhood heroes, the leaders and activists of the "Black Panthers" movement, and raises a "wall of fame" in their honour.

Tel Aviv-Jerusalem,

February 2012-August 2015

Religion and Faith

נשות הקהילה האריתראית מכינות את תינוקותיהן, ילידי הארץ, להטבלה המסורתית. הטקסים נערכים מדי שבת במפעל טקסטיל ישן, שנהפך לכנסייה המרכזית בדרום תל-אביב. חברי הקהילה מתכנסים לבושים במיטב מחלצותיהם, מתנתקים משגרת היום-יום וחוגגים.

1st prize

Single

Religion and faith

Freelance Photographer

Elad Malka

Women of the Eritrean community preparing their infants, who were born in Israel, for the traditional baptism. The baptism rituals take place every Saturday in an old textile factory, which has been transformed into the central church in south Tel Aviv. The members of the community put on their best garbs, gather together, and leave their everyday reality behind them, to celebrate.

Tel Aviv

אוגוסט 2015

קריאה לאור נרות במגילת איכה בתשעה באב. בית-כנסת בשכונת מאה שערים.

2nd prize

Single

Religion and faith

Getty Images

Lior Mizrahi

Reading the Book of Lamentations in candle light, on Tisha B’Av. Synagogue in Mea She’arim.

Jerusalem

July 2015

אלפים השתתפו בהלווייתו של יצחק סאמט, שנמחץ למוות יום קודם לכן בהלוויה ההמונית של פוסק הדור רבי שמואל הלוי וואזנר. ההלוויה, שהתקיימה בחג הפסח, יצאה מבית המדרש של חסידות "תולדות אהרן" בשכונת מאה שערים. אחיו הפעוט של יצחק מביט אל המצלמה. החסידים

3rd prize

Single

Religion and faith

Yedioth Ahronot

Ohad Zwigenberg

Thousands attended the funeral of Yitzchak Samet, who was trampled to death a day before, at the mass funeral of Rabbi Shmuel Halevi Wosner, a prominent Ultra-Orthodox (Haredi). The funeral, which took place during the passover holiday, left from the Beith HaMidrash of the Toldot Aharon Hasidut at Mea She’arim. Yitzchak’s young brother looks up at the camera. The Hasidim surrounding him are lavishly dressed because of the holiday.

Jerusalem

8 April 2015

חסידים ירושלמים משחזרים את טקס מצוות "ראשית הגז", לפיה תפוקת הגז הראשונה בעונה מיועדת לכהן, ככתוב: "ראשית דגנך תירשך ויצהרך וראשית גז צאנך תתן לו" (דברים יח: 4).

1st prize

Series

Religion and faith

Flash 90

Yonatan Sindel

Hasidim from Jerusalem recreate the "First of the Fleece" commandment, according to which the first production of fleece for the season is given to the Kohen, as is written: "The first fruit also of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the first of the fleece of thy sheep, shalt thou give him" (Deuteronomy 18:4).

The Tomb of Samuel (Nabi Samuel)

May 2015

הלוויית הגאון רבי חיים שאול גריינמן. למרות הגשם הסוחף ומזג האוויר הסוער ליוו את הרב, שנחשב לאחד מגדולי הדור, אלפים מחסידיו בדרכו האחרונה.

2nd prize

Series

Religion and faith

Freelance Photographer

Dan Haimovich

The funeral of Rabbi Chaim Shaul Greinemann. Despite the pouring rain and the difficult weather conditions, thousands of followers accompanied the rabbi, who was considered one of the outstanding rabbis of his time, on his last journey.

Bnei Brak

April 2015

באפריל 2015 ציינו קהילות הארמנים בטקסים שונים ברחבי העולם - לרבות ברובע הארמני בעיר העתיקה - מאה שנים לרצח העם הארמני בידי השלטון העות’מאני בתורכיה.

3rd prize

Series

Religion and faith

Flash 90

Hadas Parush

On April 2015 the Armenian community marked, in various ceremonies throughout the world as well as in the Old City’s Armenian Quarter, a hundred years for the Armenian Genocide by the Ottoman regime in Turkey.

Jerusalem

April-October 2015

חסידי ויז’ניץ בהלוויית הרב העילוי אליעזר הגר, שהלך לעולמו בגיל 91.

Single

Religion and faith

AP

Ariel Schalit

Viznitz Hasidim at the funeral of Rabbi Eliezer Hager, who passed away at the age of 91.

Haifa

July 2015

טקס כפרות במאה שערים.

Single

Religion and faith

Freelance Photographer

Gabi Ben Avraham

Kaparot (literally “atonements”) ritual in Mea She’arim.

Jerusalem

October 2014

פורים בחסידות ויז’ניץ.

Single

Religion and faith

Freelance Photographer

Amir Levy

Purim celebration at the Viznitz Hasidut.

Bnei Brak

March 2015

Nature and Environment

Following the increase of the security threats and the migration of African citizens from Sinai, a long iron fence was raised along the Israeli-Egyptian border, twisting and turning between the mountains of Eilat.

1st prize

Single

Nature and environment

צלם עצמאי

דורון ניסים

Following the increase of the security threats and the migration of African citizens from Sinai, a long iron fence was raised along the Israeli-Egyptian border, twisting and turning between the mountains of Eilat.

Nahal Gishron, Eilat Mountains

September 2014

Dr. Thomas Hildebrandt, a world-renowned German expert in the field of elephant fertility, treating the female elephant Tamar, at the Biblical Zoo.

2nd prize

Single

Nature and environment

EPA

Abir Sultan

Dr. Thomas Hildebrandt, a world-renowned German expert in the field of elephant fertility, treating the female elephant Tamar, at the Biblical Zoo.

Jerusalem

November 2014

Dogs at an adoption event, which takes place every Friday at Gan Meir.

3rd prize

Single

Nature and environment

Gabi Ben Avraham

Dogs at an adoption event, which takes place every Friday at Gan Meir.

Tel Aviv

אפריל 2015

The Dead Sea is dying. Today, the typical shape of the Dead Sea and the famous peninsula may only be found in old maps and memories. Human hands have caused water levels to drop 40 meters during the last five decades. The level continues to drop a meter a year. All that is now left is the northern basin - a long and narrow strip growing smaller and smaller.

1st prize

Series

Nature and environment

EPA

Abir Sultan

The Dead Sea is dying. Today, the typical shape of the Dead Sea and the famous peninsula may only be found in old maps and memories. Human hands have caused water levels to drop 40 meters during the last five decades. The level continues to drop a meter a year. All that is now left is the northern basin - a long and narrow strip growing smaller and smaller.

Dead Sea

September-December 2014

The black-winged kite (Elanus caeruleus) is a small diurnal bird of prey, which has been nesting in Israel in the last several years. The black-winged kite hunts voles and mice, and is used as a biological pesticide to help the farmers protect their crops.

2nd prize

Series

Nature and environment

Freelance Photographer

Moshe Prager

The black-winged kite (Elanus caeruleus) is a small diurnal bird of prey, which has been nesting in Israel in the last several years. The black-winged kite hunts voles and mice, and is used as a biological pesticide to help the farmers protect their crops.

Nahal Bet ‘Arif, near Shoham

June 2015

Contrary to the conventional image of agriculture in the Arabah as a success story, the reality on the ground is strikingly different. Failed government policy and competition over export are only two of the factors which have deteriorated agriculture throughout Israel, including in the Arabah: “I have been living in Moshav Tzofar for the last six months, and the sight of hundreds of acres of abandoned greenhouses shocked me to the core. I tried to convey this sad story in my photographs”.

3rd prize

Series

Nature and environment

Alex Levac

Haaretz

Contrary to the conventional image of agriculture in the Arabah as a success story, the reality on the ground is strikingly different. Failed government policy and competition over export are only two of the factors which have deteriorated agriculture throughout Israel, including in the Arabah: “I have been living in Moshav Tzofar for the last six months, and the sight of hundreds of acres of abandoned greenhouses shocked me to the core. I tried to convey this sad story in my photographs”.

Moshav Tzofar

August 2015

With its part-Mediterranean, part-desert climate, Israel has been suffering for decades from a chronic
shortages of water and an over-exploitation of its natural water resources. A major national effort to desalinate Mediterranean seawater and to recycle wastewater has provided the country with enough water, even during severe droughts.

Series

Nature and environment

Uriel Sinai

The New York Times

With its part-Mediterranean, part-desert climate, Israel has been suffering for decades from a chronic
shortages of water and an over-exploitation of its natural water resources. A major national effort to desalinate Mediterranean seawater and to recycle wastewater has provided the country with enough water, even during severe droughts.

April 2015

On the night of December 3rd 2014, during works to transfer the Eilat-Ashkelon pipeline, the pipe was
breached. Five million liters of crude oil leaked and quickly spread over the unique one-thousand acres nature reserve – home to the largest population of docras gazelles in the world. The contamination caused immediate damage to hundreds of animals, mainly reptiles and insects. In the long run, the damage is expected to spread to the larger animals and plantation.

Series

Nature and environment

Freelance Photographer

Doron Nissim

On the night of December 3rd 2014, during works to transfer the Eilat-Ashkelon pipeline, the pipe was
breached. Five million liters of crude oil leaked and quickly spread over the unique one-thousand acres nature reserve – home to the largest population of docras gazelles in the world. The contamination caused immediate damage to hundreds of animals, mainly reptiles and insects. In the long run, the damage is expected to spread to the larger animals and plantation.

Evrona Nature Reserve (Southern Arabah)

דצמבר 2014

Still life. A series of photographs taken in the course of three years. In the photographs, unusual combinations of flora and inanimate objects.

Series

Nature and environment

AFP

Menahem Kahana

Still life. A series of photographs taken in the course of three years. In the photographs, unusual combinations of flora and inanimate objects.

Throughout Israel

February 2014-August 2015

A dog watching the Milky Way on the night of the meteor shower. The lights in Mitzpe Ramon were turned out in honor of this rare occasion. The photograph was taken with long exposure on a tripod.

Single

Nature and environment

Freelance Photographer

Jonathan Sheffer

A dog watching the Milky Way on the night of the meteor shower. The lights in Mitzpe Ramon were turned out in honor of this rare occasion. The photograph was taken with long exposure on a tripod.

Mitzpe Ramon

August 2015

A young traveler snorkeling in Ein al-’Uja spring, side by side with sheep (belonging to Palestinian sheepherders) drinking from the spring.

Single

Nature and environment

EPA

Abir Sultan

A young traveler snorkeling in Ein al-’Uja spring, side by side with sheep (belonging to Palestinian sheepherders) drinking from the spring.

Ein al-‘Uja, The Jordan Valley,

April 2015

Fisherman diluting the fish, in order to keep the water in the Golan reservoirs clean.

Single

Nature and environment

Freelance Photographer

Gilad Peli

Fisherman diluting the fish, in order to keep the water in the Golan reservoirs clean.

Merom Golan

August 2015

Sport

Pole-vaulter Itamar Basteker, in the Inter Association League athletics competition.

1st prize

Single

sport

Freelance Photographer

Arnon Azmon

Pole-vaulter Itamar Basteker, in the Inter Association League athletics competition.

The Athletics Stadium, Rishon LeZion

January 2015

Shimon Mizrahi, chairman of the Maccabi Tel Aviv Basketball Club=

2nd prize

Single

sport

Freelance Photographer

Gabriel Baharlia

Shimon Mizrahi, chairman of the Maccabi Tel Aviv Basketball Club=

Yad Eliyahu Sport Palace, Tel Aviv

May 2015

A sea turtle swimming under the three leading athletes in the Olympics Heats of the Israeli triathlon championships.

3rd prize

Single

sport

Yedioth Ahronot

A sea turtle swimming under the three leading athletes in the Olympics Heats of the Israeli triathlon championships.

The Red Sea, Eilat

December 2014

Anoush Belian from the Armenian Quarter in the Old City is the first Palestinian bodybuilder to participate and even win an Israeli competition. Belian won the "Miss Fitness" category of the National Amateur Bodybuilders Association (NABBA) in Israel.

1st prize

Series

sport

Reuters

Ammar Awad

Anoush Belian from the Armenian Quarter in the Old City is the first Palestinian bodybuilder to participate and even win an Israeli competition. Belian won the "Miss Fitness" category of the National Amateur Bodybuilders Association (NABBA) in Israel.

Jerusalem

August 2015

Israeli cycling championship in a race against the clock. Road 234, near Kibbutz Re’im, close to the Israel-Gaza border.

2nd prize

Series

sport

Tsafrir Abayov

Tsafrir Abayov

Israeli cycling championship in a race against the clock. Road 234, near Kibbutz Re’im, close to the Israel-Gaza border.

Gaza Envelope

June 2015

Semi-finals in Israeli rugby between Yizre’el and Ra’anana teams.

3rd prize

Series

sport

Freelance Photographer

Arnon Azmon

Semi-finals in Israeli rugby between Yizre’el and Ra’anana teams.

Kibbutz Yizre’el,

February 2015

"By Bike Way" is a cycling competition through a 106.8 km long track. Each cyclist must navigate the path by himself. The unmarked terrain and the difficult weather conditions cause dozens of cyclists to drop out of the competition.

Series

sport

Gilad Kavalerchik

Yedioth Ahronot

"By Bike Way" is a cycling competition through a 106.8 km long track. Each cyclist must navigate the path by himself. The unmarked terrain and the difficult weather conditions cause dozens of cyclists to drop out of the competition.

Hevel Lakhish

January 2015

Urbanism and Culture

בימי הקיץ החמים מגיעים ילדים רבים עם הוריהם אל פארק טדי להצטנן במי המזרקות.

1st prize

Single

Urbanism and culture

Ohad Zwigenberg

Yedioth Ahronot

During the hot summer days, many children visit Teddy Park with their parents to cool in the waters of the fountains.

The Old City, Jerusalem

June 2015

ילדים צופים במִתקן הכדור הפורח בפארק הירקון.

2nd prize

Single

Urbanism and culture

Dror Einav

Walla NEWS

Children watching the hot-air balloon device at HaYarkon Park.

Tel Aviv

April 2015

המשורר ארז ביטון, חתן פרס ישראל לספרות ושירה עברית לשנת תשע"ה.

3rd prize

Single

Urbanism and culture

Freelance Photographer

Gabriel Baharlia

Poet Erez Bitton, recipient of the Israel Prize for Hebrew Literature and Poetry of 2015.

Tel Aviv

March 2015

בניסיון לייפות את המציאות מצייר אליאסף מיארה על מיגוניות ומקלטים ביישובי עוטף עזה. הטכניקה ובחירת נושאי הציור שלו מסייעות לו להטמיע בנוף המקומי את גופי הבטון הזרים והמכוערים ולהשרות בכך סוג של שלווה.

1st prize

Series

Urbanism and culture

EPA

Abir Sultan

In an attempt to make reality more beautiful, Elyasaf Miara paints on shelters in the Gaza Envelope settlements. His technique and the subject of his paintings help him integrate the ugly concrete bodies into the local scenery, and thereby exude a certain sense of tranquility.

Gaza Envelope

June 2015

כשבעים אלף בדווים חיים ללא תשתיות חשמל ומים בכפרים, שאינם מוּכּרים על-ידי המדינה. חלקם עובדים ביישובים יהודיים בחקלאות ובבניין ומרביתם מגדלים צאן. אורח החיים המודרני הביא בשנים האחרונות למעברן של משפחות רבות ליישובי קבע. יחד עם זאת, עשרות אלפי בדווים מעדיפים עדיין להמשיך לחיות על אדמתם ולשמר את אורח החיים המסורתי במרחבים הפתוחים של הנגב, וזאת במחיר של עימות מתמיד עם רשויות המדינה.

2nd prize

Series

Urbanism and culture

APF

Menahem Kahana

Around 70 thousand Bedouins live without infrastructure, water, and electricity in villages, which are not recognized by the state of Israel. Some work in Jewish settlements in farming and construction, while others grow sheep and goats. During the last several years, the modern lifestyle has led many families to move to permanent settlements. Nonetheless, tens of thousands of Bedouins prefer to continue and live on their lands, and preserve their traditional way of life in the open spaces of the Negev, at the cost of a constant confrontation with the state authorities.

Northern Negev,

January-February 2015

מבט ממעלית המשקיפה על מתחם בתי הזיקוק חושף קווי שתי וערב של צנרת סבוכה, ברזלים וארובות. בית הזיקוק, שמעסיק אלפי עובדים, נראה שומם.

3rd prize

Series

Urbanism and culture

Freelance Photographer

Tamar Lederberg

The view from an elevator overlooking the Oil Refineries, reveals a warp and woof of complex of pipes, steel construction, and chimneys. The oil refineries, which employs thousands of employees,
seems deserted.

Oil Refineries, Haifa

ספטמבר 2014

מִדְבָּרָן. כשבעת אלפים ישראלים הגיעו לפסטיבל מִדְבָּרָן בשדה בוקר, המקבילה הישראלית של פסטיבל ברנינג-מן ("האיש הבוער") בנוואדה, ארצות-הברית, לארבעה ימים של חגיגה ססגונית וביטוי עצמי.

Series

Urbanism and culture

EPA

Abir Sultan

Midburn. Around 7,000 Israelis participated in the Midburn festival in Sde Boker, the Israeli parallel of the Burning Man festival in Nevada, United States. Four days of a colorful celebration and self-expression.

Sde Boker,

May 2015

טיילת חוף הכרמל.

Single

Urbanism and culture

Freelance Photographer

Shlomi Yosef

Carmel Beach Tayelet (boardwalk).

Haifa

October 2014

חותר בנחל איילון.

Single

Urbanism and culture

Bonnie (Manns) Levron

Rowing in the Ayalon River.

Tel Aviv

June 2015

Series

Urbanism and culture

Amir Levy

Ajami neighborhood, Jaffa

2015-2014

הריסת מבנה ברחוב יהודה הלוי, כחלק מעבודות ההכנה להקמת הרכבת הקלה.

Single

Urbanism and culture

Freelance Photographer

Gaya Sa'adon

Demolition of a building on Yehuda HaLevy Street, as part of the preparation works for the construction of the light rail track.

תל-אביב

July 2015

יום חורף בנמל תל-אביב.

Single

Urbanism and culture

Freelance Photographer

Isaac Shaoul

Winter day at the Tel Aviv port.

Tel Aviv

January 2015

Long Exposure

“Land Research” is a photographic journey spanning over years, over the borders of Israel - a journey, which, through the language and tools of photography, questions various aspects of borders: time and space, memory and imagination, internal and external. The project was photographed in a black and white negative on a medium format film camera.

1st prize

Series

Long exposure

Freelance Photographer

Yuval Tebol

“Land Research” is a photographic journey spanning over years, over the borders of Israel - a journey, which, through the language and tools of photography, questions various aspects of borders: time and space, memory and imagination, internal and external. The project was photographed in a black and white negative on a medium format film camera.

Israel and the West Bank, Egypt, Gaza and Jordan borders

December 2014-August 2015

The Selfie Rock. A new custom has grown in the site Muslims call the holy site and the Jews Temple Mount, in the Old City of Jerusalem. Palestinians, both young and old, stand at the anterior of what is considered an architectural masterpiece – The Dome of the Rock – and take a selfie.

2nd prize

Series

Long exposure

Reuters

Ammar Awad

The Selfie Rock. A new custom has grown in the site Muslims call the holy site and the Jews Temple Mount, in the Old City of Jerusalem. Palestinians, both young and old, stand at the anterior of what is considered an architectural masterpiece – The Dome of the Rock – and take a selfie.

Jerusalem

February-July 2015

The Jerusalem living history group Regnum-Hierosolymitanum (aka Kingdom of Jerusalem Club) annually reenacts the famous Battle of the Horns of Hattin, in which Salah ad-Din’s forces defeated the crusaders, who ruled the land of Israel. Almost all of the members of Israel’s historical reenactment clubs, as well as visitors from abroad participate in this event. The costumes, weaponry, and tools are made in Medieval traditional methods. The journey and the battle at its end are carried out with as much precision as possible with respect to the historical events and the archaeological findings.

3rd prize

Series

Long exposure

Freelance Photographer

Nitzan Hafner

The Jerusalem living history group Regnum-Hierosolymitanum (aka Kingdom of Jerusalem Club) annually reenacts the famous Battle of the Horns of Hattin, in which Salah ad-Din’s forces defeated the crusaders, who ruled the land of Israel. Almost all of the members of Israel’s historical reenactment clubs, as well as visitors from abroad participate in this event. The costumes, weaponry, and tools are made in Medieval traditional methods. The journey and the battle at its end are carried out with as much precision as possible with respect to the historical events and the archaeological findings.

Tzipori, Lavi Forest area and Karnei Hittin National Park

July 2015

Video


Daniel Bar On

Reuven Adler, advertiser and strategic advisor, retuned from his retirement to manage Isaac (Bougie) Herzog and Tzipi Livni’s campaign, in the belief that this time, as well, he would lead candidates to victory.

March 2015

Director: Ben Shani
Photographer: Daniel Bar On

From: Four Minutes, a project of the television program "Uvda" (Fact), Keshet Broadcasting


Daniel Bar-on

Ruby and Nechama Rivlin.
A day in the company of the incoming president and his wife, Reuven (Ruby) and Nechama Rivlin.

November 2014

Director: Ben Shani
Photographer: Daniel Bar On
Assistant photographer: Nir Kafri

From: Four Minutes, a project of the television program “Uvda” (Fact), Keshet Broadcasting

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