Rebuilding Life and Dignity for an Artistic Family
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Hello, my name is Abed Zagout.
I am a dedicated photographer and photojournalist from Gaza, Palestine. My work has been featured across numerous journals, publications, and online platforms over the years. In addition to my work behind the lens, I have shared my passion and expertise through teaching photography, nurturing the talents of future artists and photojournalists. You may also be familiar with my work exposing the crimes throughout the genocide.
My contributions to the field have been recognized with several accolades, including the prestigious International Red Cross Photography Award in 2018, the 81st Annual Pictures of the Year International in 2023, and the Lucie Impact Award in 2023.
If you have been following my story, you know that my family and I were facing dire circumstances due to the relentless siege and devastating conditions in Gaza for over 5 months. Despite this, I was continuing my humanitarian work and conveying the humanitarian image from Gaza, and I was targeted more than once. For our last months in Gaza, my wife, our 5 children, and I were living in a tent in Rafah struggling to survive day by day. This on top of the added mental stress and trauma of the continual specific targeting of journalists by the IOF.
Our family has just managed to cross into Egypt, and we are creating this Gofundme for support with reclaiming and rebuilding our lives now in exile. We came to Egypt with almost nothing after the months of non-stop bombing. I lost all of my photography equipment in the genocide, and my work has all stopped without it. Meanwhile, my wife is also a photographer; she specializes in portraits of babies. We both need replacement equipment to work, and we are looking to build a business for her, which includes studio costs.
Until we can put together our work, our daily expenses are home rent, daily needs like food, drinks, clothing, and beyond for the seven of us. The months of inhumane living conditions without access to basic necessities such as antibiotics, nutritious food, clean water, and essential medical care have taken a toll on all of us. The entire family has critical medical needs we must address. Meanwhile, our family is happily preparing for the arrival of a new baby, which has many medical costs as well for following my wife’s pregnancy. We also need trauma services, especially the children; when hearing a plane even now in safety, our children are reminded of the trauma.
I am appealing to your sense of humanity and kindness to help us rebuild our lives. Any contribution, no matter the size, will be immensely appreciated and could make a significant difference in our fight for survival.
For those interested in my work or wishing to learn more about my journey, you can find me on Instagram @abed_zagout and Facebook. If you are interested in purchasing my photos, please contact me directly.
Further information and examples of my photojournalism can be explored through the following links:
https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2020/4/9/in-pictures-people-in-gaza-take-no-chances-as-virus-threat-looms
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/pg/photo-gallery/palestinians-displaced-from-their-homes-struggle-to-survive-in-difficult-conditions/0
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:
Fundraising team (4)
Laura Johnson
Organizer
Gilbert, AZ
Mirabel Fall
Beneficiary
Bella Fall
Team member
Elli Blaine
Team member