עברית בהמשך

Photography and Texts: Yafa Kfir-Simone
Long-term Photography Project 2020-2023

Photography trips along rivers provide a universal way to observe local culture. From the start of my journey as a photographer, I knew I wanted to choose a subject and tell its story. When I learned about the fascinating project by American photographer Alec Soth on the Mississippi River, it resonated deeply with me: I chose the Jordan River. It is ours and flows right by my home, rich with sights and meanings.

Later, I discovered more works by photographers who explored life along rivers, each with their unique photographic language.

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They come to the Jordan to escape reality and find silence:

•   Bini from Yitzhar in the Hebron mountains, rooted in the heart of the significant conflict that shapes our lives  – a conflict that
     personally affects me and my existence.
 •   Diego from Ukraine wanders aimlessly, uncertain of what tomorrow holds, and indifferent to it.
 •   Gali from Kibbutz Hulata fled to the Jordan during the Corona days, seeking relief from tension and frustration caused by news
     broadcasts. She came with her daughters to nature, living for a while by the water.
 •   Shmil, who observes Shabbat and follows Halacha, comes to fish at the mouth of the Jordan River leading to the Sea of Galilee.
 •   A young religious man fell into the water from a makeshift raft; he hangs his tallit in the sun to dry. His friend, dressed in a kippah,
     head tefillin, and armbands with dangling tassels, has been living in a tent by the Jordan for many days.
 •   In Magdala, at the church in the evening light, a man from Mexico visiting the Jordan and the Sea of Galilee, follows the footsteps of
     Jesus and Mary Magdalene. Wearing red, he leads a Zoom prayer every evening, offering words of comfort and faith to distant
      believers.

I met them all along the banks of the Jordan.