(Hadas & Gaia) by Maya Meshel, Nir Oz, October 2023
Mother, Hadas, and daughter, Gaia (21). Gaia’s two younger siblings, Erez (12) and Sahar (16), and father, were kidnapped to Gaza on October 7th. Erez and Sahar returned after 52 days in Captivity. Their father is still a hostage. Her mother Carmella (80) and her niece Noya (12) were both murdered in their home on October 7th.
(Mount Herzl) by Maya Meshel, Jerusalem, October 2023
Picture was taken at Mount Herzl during the funeral of Rose, an American lone soldier who made “Aliya” from Atlanta and was murdered at a stabbing terrorist attack in the old city of Jerusalem. The picture was shot from within a crowd of thousands who attended the funeral in respect for Rose’s contribution to the country.
(Adi) by Maya Meshel, Jerusalem, November 2023
An expression of Israel’s complex reality, in wich one can find a bride who is a combat fighter and carries a weapon on the day of her marrige. This captivating image challenges traditional notions of the Jewish symbols of unity, evoking a scene of awe and admiration for the bride's unwavering strength.
(Meital) by Maya Meshel, Kibbutz Be'eri, October 2023
Meital is in her parent’s house in Kibbutz Be'eri. Both her mother, Shiri, and younger sister, Noga (18) escaped the flames and tried to hide, but were kidnapped into Gaza. Her father and nephew were murdered on October 7th. Her mother and sister returned after 50 days in Captivity.
(Amit) by Maya Meshel, Kibbutz Be’eri, October 2023
The kitchen of Amit’s house (16) who was kidnapped and taken to Gaza on October 7th. The entire house was reduced to ashes. Nobody can explain how everything got burnt and melted except for the paper towel. Amit returned from Gaza after 54 days in captivity. During his time in captivity, he marked his 16th birthday.
(Haim) by Maya Meshel, Kibbutz Be’eri, October 2023
Two hundred and fifty terrorists broke through the perimeter fence of kibbutz Beeri. Haim Jelin, Former Member of Knesset, Eshkol district Head of the Council, and member of Kibbutz Be'eri, was photographed in the house of his friend whose two young children were known to play the piano during holidays and events of the Kibbutz. Haim, along with his family, survived the attack.
Ziva Jelin, Haim’s wife, is one of the founders of Kibbutz Be’eri and a recognized Israeli painter. Her work was exhibited at Be’eri Gallery on October 7th, and today it is presented at The Israel Museum in Jerusalem - perforated with bullet holes from the attack.
Photography
Exhibition/
By Maya Meshel
Honoring the complexities of female narratives in war photography captured through the lens of Maya Meshel.
March 26, 28 2024 / Hosted by La'Aretz Foundation
@ Eden Gallery SOHO NY and Miami Beach FL
The La’Aretz Foundation Women’s Event features the captivating work of Maya Meshel, a distinguished photojournalist based in Israel known for her impactful documentary projects.
The exhibition centers on the human aspects of individuals profoundly affected by the “October 7th” war, with a focus on women; from families impacted by the attack, to mothers of hostages held in Gaza, and women soldiers. Maya’s lens also highlights those who tragically lost their loved ones in the war.
The exhibition promises to preserve the significant feminine narratives that deserve to be remembered worldwide.
(Hadas) by Maya Meshel, Kibbutz Kfar Aza, March 2024
Hadas was in Kfar Aza while visiting her mother with her young daughter (15) on October 7th. The family huddled in the safe room for 36 hours, bracing the door with their bodies. Hadas’s 46 year old brother was murdered during the attack.
(Iris) by Maya Meshel, Kibbutz Kfar Aza, March 2024
This is Iris. Her son, Yotam (28), was kidnapped from Kfar Aza on October 7th. After 65 days, Yotam and two other hostages, who managed to escape from captivity, were accidentally shot during heavy fighting by IDF soldiers. Iris became a figure of resilience and mental strength with her compelling message to the IDF soldiers: “You have to do everything you can to look after yourselves. We are not angry, not for one minute. There is pain, there is sadness, there is huge sadness about the fact that Yotam isn’t here, but we are not angry”.
(Yaeli) by Maya Meshel, Kibbutz Nachal Oz, March 2024
Yael is 12 years old. Her father, Tsachi, mother, Gali, sister Maayan (18), and younger brother, Shachar (9), were all in the safe room while being attacked. Mayan (18) was shot through the safe room door while she helped her father hold the door shut. Footage of the event was recorded live by Hamas. Tsachi, her father, is still a hostage.
(Noa) by Maya Meshel, Beer Sheva, March 2024
Noa is currently serving in Gaza as a combat-trained soldier in the IDF Spokesperson's Unit. Noa courageously operates her camera amidst the frontline, capturing crucial moments with precision while simultaneously participating in combat. On October 7th, Noa rescued wounded soldiers under fire during the attack of the “Urim” base, located near the Gaza Strip. 8 soldiers were murdered and dozens were injured at that location.