Israelis living in communities on the border with Gaza, known as the Gaza Envelope, are facing a wave of extreme terrorism.
Since April, rockets—made from kites, balloons, and other devices—have barraged the region, causing fires that have burned thousands of acres of farmland and forests, putting the safety of residents at risk, and causing extensive emotional, physical, and environmental damage.
The massive fires have destroyed the habitat supporting the region’s wildlife and caused many animals to die. Fields that were once a place for families and friends to gather for picnics and for animals to graze, are now charred and burned. As kites continue to wreak havoc, firefighters and volunteers work around the clock to counter the harm being inflicted on their land.
Operation Black South began as a group of Israeli photographers trying to bring more attention to the terror kites’ devastation. It is now the largest photography project in Israel with more than 300 photographers sharing their experiences through their cameras.
In their pursuit to capture every single piece of land torched by the terror kites, the photographers of Operation Black South are presenting these pictures as their way to say “thank you” to the land that has provided them with radiance and pleasant memories. The photographers are showing the world what is going on in their own backyard.
For each photograph sold, one tree will be planted in Israel through Jewish National Fund. The balance of the proceeds will assist with other needs in the region.
Moshe Rivlin, world chairman of the Jewish National Fund, says, “In most countries, people are born to forests, and forests are given to them by nature. But here in this country, if you see a tree, it was planted by somebody.”
The Leon Family Gallery is located at the Simon Family JCC, 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Virginia Beach. Contact Naty Horev, with questions about this exhibit or the Leon Family Gallery, at 757-321-3186 or NHorev@simonfamilyjcc.org.