On the Border
Aperture Priorities Contact Sheet #27
By Joel Schalit
It must have something to do with Israel.
When it comes to Muslim violence, the assumption is always the same.
I could write a book recounting the number of conversations I’ve had with Israeli television hosts posing the question.
Most often, I tell them no.
Not because I’m in denial that the Arab-Israeli conflict crosses over into Europe. It always has.
But, because, since 7 October, I’ve felt myself increasingly pressed to answer yes when the answer has been different.
In one case, it was about an Iranian born in France, who had attacked passers-by in Paris.
It turned out he was mentally ill, and had gone on a stabbing rampage. That’s what French police had concluded and I relayed.
His violence coincided with the onset of the Gaza war, so it was tempting to tie them together. But the evidence wasn’t there.
Not long thereafter, I was asked whether Hamas was planning attacks in Copenhagen. My response was equally careful.
I said there was no proof, but explained Denmark is a place of enormous strife over migration, and it could be linked to that.
The host responded by chiding me, and then apologising to me for appearing to do so.
But the pressure to answer affirmatively was the same. If I had said yes, the conversation would have gone differently.
Trying to defuse the tension, I explained that Europe borders the Middle East, and that its politics reflect that.
My point was acknowledged. But I’ve never been invited back to talk about Europe with them, and that’s probably why.
There’s a lot more that I could have said, which, both the host and audience would have appreciated. Perhaps another time.
Given the shock Israelis still feel over 10/7, I wasn’t surprised. Fantasy is easy when you’re traumatised.
The problem is that’s not truth. It’s propaganda and journalists should be the last, but are often the first, to fail.
I’m proud of having stuck to my guns. But I miss the days when I didn’t have to fight so hard to stay professional.
The documentary images in this edition of Aperture Priorities are a testimony to that need.
Not only do they reflect the ‘border’ character of Europe, in Italy, as an Israeli sees it, replete with Blacks and Muslims.
The distress these photos convey, of displaced persons from countries plagued by crisis and war, is humbling.
That’s what I like about street photography. It’s hard to separate yourself from your subject matter.
Photographs courtesy of Joel Schalit. All rights reserved.
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