In a joyful scene challenging all the harsh conditions which the Gaza population is facing Palestinian photographer Mahmoud Abu Salama was able recently to put smiles on many faces in Jabalia refugee camp with his new initiative “The Camp Frame.”
Several children and elderly people in Jabalia camp (northeast of Gaza) had big smiles on their faces after Abu Salama gave them framed photos taken for them during their presence in the alleys of the camp which is full of sorrows like other areas of the embattled and impoverished Gaza Strip.
Abu Salama who has been working as a freelance photographer for about six years told the Palestinian Information Center (PIC) that he started the first stage of his initiative a few days ago by giving 30 wood-framed photos to children and elderly people from the camp.
In addition to the happiness his initiative brought to the camp Abu Salama said his photos highlighted the simple life of the residents in the camp.
His initiative according to him is also aimed at encouraging other photographers to organize community initiatives and promoting their public image and stature.
Faten Annajjar one of the camp’s sweet little girls expressed her feelings by saying “I am happy” after she received a framed photo showing her cuddling one of her dolls outside her home.
Umm Kamel a woman in her 80s also expressed her joy to have such a photo from Abu Salama and said she put it up on a wall inside her house in order to feel happy every time she looks at her smiling face in the picture.
“This is the sweetest gift I have ever got. I have never been happy with something like that” Umm Kamel said.
