A Photojournalist's Plea: Help Us Rebuild Life After Tragedy

Who I am

My name is Abed Zagout, an award-winning photographer and photojournalist from Gaza. For years, my lens has captured the raw truth of conflict zones, earning recognition from prestigious institutions like the International Red Cross and the Lucie Foundation. I've not only documented history but also nurtured future storytellers through my teaching.

But today, I'm not behind the camera. I'm in front of it, asking for your help.

Our Story

For over 6 months, my family and I endured unimaginable hardship under siege in Gaza. We lived in a tent, struggling daily for survival while I continued my work, risking my life to

show the world the humanitarian crisis unfolding around us. The constant threat of violence, especially targeted at journalists, took a severe toll on our mental health.

Finally, we escaped to Egypt, but at another devastating cost. We arrived with almost nothing, having lost our new home that we had invested our life savings into, my photography equipment, and our entire livelihoods. Now, we face the daunting task of rebuilding our lives from scratch in a foreign land.

Our needs are dire, urgent and varied:

• Basic necessities: Rent, food, clothing for a family of seven

• Medical care: Addressing health issues from months of deprivation

• Trauma support: Especially for our five children, still haunted by the sounds of

conflict

• Professional equipment: To restart our careers and support ourselves

• Business startup costs: For my wife's baby portrait studio

The glimpse of hope

I have a new potential opportunity for a work visa in Oman, which could provide stability for our family. But we need your support to bridge the gap and make this new beginning possible.

Your contribution, no matter the size, is more than just financial aid. It's a lifeline to a family trying to reclaim their dignity and purpose. It's an investment in preserving the vital work of photojournalism in conflict zones. Most importantly, it's a powerful statement that even in

the darkest times, humanity can come together to rebuild lives.

Please, help us turn the page on this chapter of loss and start anew. Your generosity today could be the difference between despair and hope for our family's future.

By supporting our family, you're not just changing our lives – you're making a profound impact on our shared world. Your contribution becomes a part of a larger story of human resilience and compassion. Your generosity affirms the values of empathy and human dignity, inspiring others and fostering a global community that stands together in crisis. As we rebuild and continue our mission of truth-telling through photography, your support ensures that crucial stories are told, potentially changing perceptions and policies. In helping us, you're participating in the vital work of healing our shared human family and creating a more compassionate world.

Thank you for your compassion and support.

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For those interested in my work or wishing to learn more about my journey, or if you’re interested in purchasing my photos, please contact me directly.

You can find me on Instagram @abed_zagout and Facebook.

Further information and examples of my photojournalism can be explored through the following links:

https://tagree.de/violence-in-the-gaza-strip-by-abed-zaqout/

https://palestine.un.org/en/261333-humanitarian-leaders-unite-urgent-plea-gaza

https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2020/4/9/in-pictures-people-in-gaza-take-no-chances-as-virus-threat-looms

https://stories.undp.org/i-know-this-will-end-and-i-pray-i-can-start-over

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/pg/photo-gallery/palestinians-displaced-from-their-homes-struggle-to-survive-in-difficult-conditions/0

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In pictures:

People in Gaza take no chances...

I know this will end, and I pray I can start over.

Palestinians displaced from their homes struggle...

Your support can bring hope and a chance for a new beginning to my family during these challenging times. Thank you for considering our plight and for any support you can offer.

My kids:

Me and my daughter:

Me on the field in Gaza:

From in our camp in Rafah, Gaza: