Tanya Habjouqa: Artist Statement

While working in conflict zones for news and humanitarian agencies, I have encountered countless individuals who left me questioning if I was capable of telling their stories with the sensitivity and nuance they deserve.

While covering the Israel-Hezbollah war during the summer of 2006, I had the freedom to live alongside civilians and capture their story without the protection offered by a nongovernmental organization. Over the course of several weeks, I photographed the immediate impact of the war on Lebanese children and their families, the devastation of homes and entire villages, and recovery efforts.

Despite one of the ugliest aerial campaigns waged against a civilian population in years, many Lebanese refused to flee their homes. Alongside the courage of civilians, I witnessed the selflessness of some photographers who put down their cameras to aid survivors from the rubble.

Even as I question whether our work as journalists has brought sufficient attention to the gross injustice of the war, I am amazed by the perseverance of the Lebanese that continued throughout this period of loss.