Understanding Israel

• Prize
• Photographer
  Susan R. Ressler, United States
• Studio
  Susan Ressler Photography

Part memoir and part spiritual journey, Understanding Israel
asks, “Who am I, and What does Israel mean to me?” But for
most, my photos spark one burning question: "In what ways can
we understand Israel today?"

This book project includes 65 photographs designed to convey
the paradoxes and contradictions of the Jewish state: a
homeland for the Jewish people, and yet an occupier of
contested territory. The book shares my personal story, my
quest, my grief and my wonder, but is most of all a plea for
peace. Simultaneously, I raise global issues of grave importance.

Prompted by the not unexpected yet untimely death of my
parents, I joined a group of Jews en route to the "holy land." I
was on a quest, and the quest led me to question everything.
My parents had visited Israel, and they had a deep and abiding
love for the place and the Jewish people. I felt as if this trip was
for them; I would carry their spirit to our Jewish homeland. If
possible, I would plant a tree.

Our tour had a Zionist flavor: we visited settlements, kibbutzim,
and memorials; we talked with analysts, government officials,
and visionaries; we learned about agriculture, idealism, and
sacrifice. We saw soldiers stage a battle; we saw Jerusalem's
Western Wall. We walked; we prayed; we saw birds fly through
the Syria-African rift. And we ate the fruits of a reclaimed Negev
desert. We were sated and full. We were welcomed.

So many challenges; so many conflicts. So much progress; so
much pain. I was moved by many poignant stories. I was moved
by the people I met. I did plant a tree for my parents. And I did
learn so much on the way. The spirit of Israel has touched me,
and these photographs are my witness.