Israel: The Art of War
Pieces of rockets fired into Sderot, Israel from Gaza
I have only been to Israel once and harbor no pretense of truly understanding the horrors of the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians in and near Gaza. On a recent trip, I was shown the remains of the more than 6,000 rockets that were launched from Gaza into the Israeli border town of Sderot over the last seven years. Michael Kalicka, 73, told me that rocket attacks started after the second intifada, “Rockets rained down every day. Now it is better, but I still don’t sleep well.”
This Sunday, however, in response to renewed rocket attacks, Israel deployed a new anti-missle system called “Iron Dome,” an anti-missle system designed to shoot down the short range rockets fired from Gaza.
The horrors of terrorism, hate and war can sometimes be explored via an artistic approach. As I was looking at the rusting pieces of spent rockets, I strangely saw the beauty of flowery twisted metal. I could not hear the screams of pain and fear, nor feel the frustration and hate that had sent the projectiles on their mission
Michael Kalika, 73, speaks about rocket attacks.
This entry was posted on Monday, March 28th, 2011 at 9:52 am. It is filed under All Posts, Humanitarian, Latest Posts and tagged with fear, humanitarian photography, Israel, photographer, photojournalism, rockets, terrorism, turmoil.
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Thanks for sharing these photos. I couldn’t help but realize if you were any where near these when they fell you would have received some damage.
Something tells me they don’t have bullet hole stickers for their cars like we do in America.
No…no stickers…life is a bit different over there.
Nor do I think people dress in camouflage clothing just for fun either.
I like the way you laid this out. Very cool.
Thanks Chris. Good point about the camo too!
Amazing. As you stated, it is truly ironic that such beauty brought such pain. Thank you for sharing the photos and your thoughts behind them.
Kim…thanks for taking the time to look and comment. It is much appreciated!
Dear Gary, thanks for sharing an alternative point of view. Peace. Namaste/
Gary, I keep coming back to this post and I continue to be moved by these images. I would love to purchase a few prints from you if you would ever consider that. Your art makes my heart break and hope at the same time.
Christen…many thanks for the encouragement! I am sending a private email too.
Hi Gary,
Your pictures are really special. No further explanation is needed to make one realize the intensity of the conflict and its repercussions. Do you work for yourself and have you ever done an exhibit?
Peace and smiles
Ginger alias Ellen
Thanks for commenting. Yes, I work for myself.
Blessings,
gary