Judaism through the lens
The Israeli photojournalism exhibition 'Local Testimony' includes, for the first time, a 'Religion' category. Here is Judaism as it is viewed through the lens
Simchat Torah ("rejoicing with the Torah"). Dozens of Yeshiva students in the ultra-Orthodox neighborhood of Mea Shearim stand in a circle and sing. Four Hassidim dance in the center - one click and the moment is captured, frozen forever.
Simchat Torah in Mea Shearim (Gili Cohen Magen/ Reuters)
This photo is on display at the "Local Testimony" photojournalism exhibition that is part of the World Press Photo exhibit that features the best journalistic photos of 2007.
Overlooking the Gay Parade (Photo: Ahikam Seri / Panos Pictures)
The Israeli exhibit provides a platform to Israeli photographers to present work that describe daily life in Israel. This year, for the first time, a new category, called "Religion" is featured.
A day at the beach (Shay Levi)
The curator Ami Steinitz explained the decision: "The photos we receive are grouped into categories – news, policy, society, culture, nature, sport, and portraits. Initially, the religion category was included in the Society one, but since this year, we received a large number of photos in this category, we decided to give it its own place."
Priestly Blessing at the Western Wall (Tomer Appelbaum / Haaretz)
Most photos in the "Religion" category deal with Judaism, yet there are also photos that feature Islam, Christianity and the Samaritans.
For more information about the exhibition – click here.
