Palestinian photo exhibition titled “What you don’t know about my life” opens in Beirut – UNRWA article

UNRWA and the European Union Open Photo Exhibition in Lebanon

Beirut — UNRWA inaugurated today a photo exhibition at UNESCO Palace in Beirut in the presence of representatives of the European Union, representative of the PLO in Lebanon Dr Abdallah Abdallah, as well as senior UNRWA officials.

In May 2011, UNRWA organised a photography competition for young Palestine refugees with funding from the European Union. Young Palestinians throughout the Middle East were tasked with creating a photo series that would give an insight into how they live, on the theme "What you don't know about my life". The competition was open to Palestinian refugees aged between 18 and 26 in all of the UN agency’s fields of operation: Lebanon, Syria, Gaza, the West Bank and Jordan. Young Palestinian refugees were invited to create a series of five photos that would give the viewer an insight into their life, such as the corners of their house, the alleys of their refugee camp, or the bustle of the town where they live. The exhibit travelled to Lebanon, Gaza and Jordan.

All photo essays were judged by a panel compiled of professional photographers, UNRWA staff, and head of the photography department at Bir Zeit University, Rula Halawani. Having deliberated over nearly 100 entries from throughout the region, the panel awarded the first prize to 23-year-old Hadeel Al Ramli, for her portrayal of life in Gaza Womens’ Prison.

Winners
1st place: Hadeel Al Ramli,Gaza
2nd place: Khouloud al Ajarma, Aida camp, Bethlehem
3rd place: Abdel Rahim Abu Laban, Yarmouk camp, Syria

Honourable mentions
Wisam Salameh, Gaza
Rushdi Al Sarraj, Tel Al Hawwa, Gaza
Bilal al Talawi, Khan Younis, Gaza

The exhibit at UNESCO Palace, is open to the public and will run until 31 May. For more information please contact:

Hoda Samra

UNRWA Lebanon Public Information Office

tel/Fax: +961-1 840 468

Email: h.samra@unrwa.org