East Oakland meets Palestine.

Young photojournalists from East Oakland met with young photojournalists from Balata, a camp within the West Bank of Palastine, during their Picture Balata tour in the U.S. Youth from both places discovered the similarities of living in states where political, economic, and cultural repression affect the everyday lives of children and families. Palestinian and East Oakland youth shared images and testimonial essays that reflect the experiences of their every day lives. Through discussions and other activities, youth from both nations revealed to each other that violence, social marginalization, as well as resistance and an emphasis on education are some of the factors that inform the every day realities of young people and their families. As a stepping stone to building international awareness and coalition opportunities, this was a beautiful and powerful experience filled with hope, insight, and the recognition of the state of humanity among people of different nations who refuse to cease to resist repressive regimes.

We also made a trip to the beach, which was particularly significant for the youth from Balata, who although live right by the Mediterranean Sea, have never seen the ocean due to lack of access by Israeli military.

Images by Steve Wake and Deonte