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Photojournalist Shanie Roth shares intimate visual record of Israeli response to Oct. 7 hostage crisis

Her lens offers a look at a nation in collective mourning and protest, with a particular emphasis on the mothers of the movement.

First page of “Fight for Life.” Einav Zangauker is pictured on the left, and Rachel Goldberg-Polin is pictured on the right. Credit: Courtesy.
First page of “Fight for Life.” Einav Zangauker is pictured on the left, and Rachel Goldberg-Polin is pictured on the right. Credit: Courtesy.

Photojournalist Shanie Roth announces the release of her new book, Fight for Life, a profound photographic documentation of the Oct. 7 hostage crisis and the enduring community that has transformed Hostage Square into the epicenter of emotional vulnerability for Israeli society.

For more than two years, Roth has obsessively documented the crisis, attending nearly every Saturday night rally and volunteering alongside the families of those taken. Through her lens, she offers an intimate look at a nation in collective mourning and protest, with a particular emphasis on the mothers of the movement, capturing the unique strength, grief and unwavering discipline of those leading the fight for their childrenʼs return.

“Photography forces the viewer to confront humanity,ˮ says Roth. “I hope my work allows the viewer to feel the fear, the noise, the sadness, the beauty and the overwhelming love that Israelis have for one another.ˮ

Fight for Life serves as more than a historical record; it is a call to action and an exploration of human agency.

As stated in the bookʼs mission: “It serves as proof that sheer grit and consistency are earth-shaking tools that the average person can pull from their toolbox. It serves to embolden future generations to maintain resilience in darkness, and that the individual, while in community, has the power to impact the most complicated conflicts of their time. I hope this book inspires consistency, togetherness and discipline in the face of unimaginable fear.”

By moving past the headlines, Roth documents the reality of a space where “returning to normal” is irrelevant. The book provides a platform for those who refuse to let the crisis fade into the background, reminding the world that the individual has the power to impact history.

About the Author

Shanie Roth is a photojournalist based in Tel Aviv, Israel. Her work focuses on humanizing complex conflicts through an empathetic lens, capturing the intersection of historical events and personal resilience.

Book Details

Title: Fight for Life
Author: Shanie Roth
Availability: Now available on Amazon
Portfolio: shanieroth.com | Instagram: @shanierothphotography
Contact: Shanie Roth | shanierothphotography@gmail.com

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