Started by 20 women photographers in Spain, Fotos x Palestina was a 2024 online exhibition where over 180 photographers worldwide came together to sell physical copies of their work for Palestinian medical relief. The charity event sold each photographer’s piece for 100 euros, for buyers to receive their physical copies through mail. Since starting on 27 December 2023, The event has raised over 73,000 euros, 100 percent of which go to Doctors Without Borders, Spain. This is why Fotos x Palestina's work is relevant to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions and Good Health And Well-Being.
The event is incredibly impactful as Israeli forces have been found deliberately targeting hospitals in Palestine since November 2023, making non-government medical initiatives such as Doctors Without Borders all the more crucial. The World Health Organization reported that as of 12 November 2023, 521 people have been killed in Israel’s 137 distinct attacks on Palestine’s health care, despite the conflict only escalating on 7 October 2023. The total number also includes the death of 16 medical personnel, meaning a majority of the casualties were injured or sick civilians, including women in labour and ailing children.
Photojournalists also participated in Fotos x Palestina 2024, bringing more diversity to the selection of works for sale at the event. The 180 participating photographers also chose photographs depicting different parts of the world, including people from all walks of life and instantly recognizable landmarks. This was a visualization of the event’s international nature, showing how support for a ceasefire in Palestine defied borders and social, political and even cultural backgrounds.
Fotos x Palestina 2024 demonstrated the powerful role of art in advocacy and humanitarian aid, bringing together over 180 photographers from diverse backgrounds to raise over €73,000 for Palestinian medical relief. Amid ongoing attacks on health care in Palestine, the initiative provided crucial support to Doctors Without Borders, underscoring the urgent need for non-governmental medical assistance. By showcasing photographs from around the world, the event emphasized global solidarity transcending borders, cultures, and politics, highlighting the unifying potential of collective action in the face of injustice.
Find out more about Fotos x Palestina and their initiatives on their Instagram @fotosxpalestina2024.