Rich Friend
The Souk in Hebron
The souk (market) in Hebron, the largest city in the West Bank. Up until recently, the souk was a vibrant, busy market. However the establishment of an extremist settlement within the ancient city protected by the IDF has put enormous pressure on the local Palestinian population and economy. Now the souk is virtually empty with many stores closed. Palestinians are barely visible and increasingly in the shadows.
This situation is not welcomed by all in Israel. From its beginnings it was recognised by many, including such influential figures as General Moshe Dayan, that acting as an occupying force would compel Israel to behave in oppressive ways that ultimately would undermine the very moral fabric of Israeli society.
As B'tselem argues - Israel’s regime of occupation is inextricably bound up in human rights violations. B’Tselem strives to end the occupation, as that is the only way forward to a future in which human rights, democracy, liberty and equality are ensured to all people, both Palestinian and Israeli, living between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea.
For updates on alternative views please see the human rights organisation B'Tselem that is based in Israel - www.btselem.org/topic/hebron
and also Breaking the Silence - www.breakingthesilence.org.il/testimonies?as1=hebron&...
an organisation of former IDF soldiers who are speaking out about the reality of imposing the occupation, and what it does to the Palestinians and how it corrupts the soul of Israel.
My photographs are (C) Copyright Richard Friend and All Rights Reserved
The Souk in Hebron
The souk (market) in Hebron, the largest city in the West Bank. Up until recently, the souk was a vibrant, busy market. However the establishment of an extremist settlement within the ancient city protected by the IDF has put enormous pressure on the local Palestinian population and economy. Now the souk is virtually empty with many stores closed. Palestinians are barely visible and increasingly in the shadows.
This situation is not welcomed by all in Israel. From its beginnings it was recognised by many, including such influential figures as General Moshe Dayan, that acting as an occupying force would compel Israel to behave in oppressive ways that ultimately would undermine the very moral fabric of Israeli society.
As B'tselem argues - Israel’s regime of occupation is inextricably bound up in human rights violations. B’Tselem strives to end the occupation, as that is the only way forward to a future in which human rights, democracy, liberty and equality are ensured to all people, both Palestinian and Israeli, living between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea.
For updates on alternative views please see the human rights organisation B'Tselem that is based in Israel - www.btselem.org/topic/hebron
and also Breaking the Silence - www.breakingthesilence.org.il/testimonies?as1=hebron&...
an organisation of former IDF soldiers who are speaking out about the reality of imposing the occupation, and what it does to the Palestinians and how it corrupts the soul of Israel.
My photographs are (C) Copyright Richard Friend and All Rights Reserved