Shadi, Press Photographer

Shadi Atallah, 20 years old


Shadi Atallah is one of the youngest photojournalists still documenting life inside Gaza. He is from Jabalia Refugee Camp — a place that has now been almost completely destroyed.

Shadi did not become a journalist out of passion or ambition. In his life, documenting reality became a necessity.

He spent most of his time with his two older cousins, both journalists, who took him under their wing. During the war, the three of them lived for long stretches inside the Indonesian Hospital, documenting life under siege — the wounded arriving, families sleeping on floors, the fear and exhaustion that never seemed to end.

One night, while Shadi stayed behind at the hospital to rest, his cousins went to Jabalia camp to document attacks on their community. The area was targeted again. They were Martyred that night.

Shadi survived.

He made a promise to himself that he would never stop telling the story of Jabalia and what is happening to his people. Since then, he has continued photographing displacement, destruction, hunger, and the daily struggle for survival — despite losing his home, his best friend, colleagues, and nearly everything he has ever known.

Today, Shadi and his family of six are living in a shell-damaged house with no proper roof. Plastic sheets are all that protect them from extreme heat, cold, and rain. They are trying to survive as humanitarian aid remains extremely limited and prices for food and medicine continue to rise.

His family needs about $1,600 per month just to cover basic survival — safer shelter or rent, food and clean water, clothing, and urgent medical needs.

Shadi has recently completed high school and is trying to continue his education. One semester of university costs $800.

Your support can help stabilize this family so Shadi can continue documenting what civilians are living through — and still have a chance at building a future beyond war.

Even one committed monthly supporter, or a group of people sharing this campaign, could completely change the trajectory of his life.

Please donate if you can. And if you cannot, please share his story. Sometimes survival depends on whether the right message reaches the right person in time.If you have been thinking about getting more involved, this is a moment where it could make a real, immediate difference. Thank you for standing with Shadi and his family.