Photo credit: Mohamed El-Reefi
Date taken: January 16, 2013
Location: Gaza City, Gaza Strip, Palestine
A fisherman rests and inspects his leg before leaving the Gaza City’s mina, or port. [Read more...]
Photo of the Week: A fisherman in Gaza inspects his leg
March 23, 2013 By 1 Comment
Linah’s photograph
December 3, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Linah Alsaafin, who you all should know runs an excellent blog for the Electronic Intifada, visited her family in the Gaza Strip after a long absence. I asked her for a reminder of the beautiful colors in the sky above Gaza’s sea. Here’s what she showed me and what she shares with you. This is Gaza’s Mina.
The Palestine Entries: Photos of Gaza City’s Mina and Flotilla memorial
July 21, 2011 By 3 Comments
// Entry #32
The Mina is one of the Gaza Strip’s most beautiful coastal stretches, featuring Gaza City’s main port, a small fish market, a memorial for the Turkish nationals murdered on the Mavi Marmara headed to Gaza, and a series of relatively elegant hotels frequented by foreigners and young Palestinian men and women wishing to escape the noise and the commotion of the city surrounding them. It’s not spatially large nor is it always open to the public but it is a landmark in Gaza that merits publicity.
This marble monument stands in memory of the nine Turkish individuals killed during Israel’s raid of the Mavi Marmara during the first global Freedom Flotilla. Each panel features one of the nine names as well as a Turkish flag alongside a Palestinian flag, symbolizing the strength of international solidarity and celebrating their lives as honorary Palestinians.
Immediately to the side of the marble memorial is this set of flags. Turkish flags line much of Gaza’s coasts and can even be found taped onto store windows, hanging from rearview mirrors, and waving at the front entrance of many restaurants. [Read more...]
The Palestine Entries: Fishing boats and bullet holes
July 18, 2011 By 2 Comments
// Entry #29
On the evening of 24 June 2011, I interviewed a fisherman about his experiences attempting to catch fish within the 3-kilometer zone enforced by the Israeli Navy. He detailed his daily routine and recounted the many ordeals he and his family have faced since the siege on Gaza began in 2006, including the times when his sons were shot and when his nephew’s ship capsized.
Two weeks later, I met with his family members at the Mina, Gaza’s main port, and spoke with them and other fishermen to learn about their experiences as well.
Upon reaching the Mina, I came across three fishermen carrying their catch to the fish market. Fishermen in Gaza set sail well before sunrise with the hopes of catching enough fish to sell at the market. In effect, they hold two jobs. First, the fishermen must catch the fish, then they must sell it in time for lunch.
This is a boat just like the one these young men use every morning. Note the simplicity of the boat: a wooden frame with plastic trim and a motor.
Next, I met Bakr, brother to the fisherman I spoke with weeks ago. He pulled out two small plastic bags. One was filled halfway with shrimp, the other filled with a pink fish. He pulled out a handful of shrimp and explained that today’s catch is small because it isn’t for sale. He only caught enough to feed his family for the day.
