Jesper Houborg

YOUNG VOICES FROM THE WEST is a visual investigation into the everyday life, dreams and resistance of a new generation of young Palestinians in the West Bank living under the Israeli occupation.

In collaboration with the local youth, I spent three months during the late spring and summer of 2023, trying to understand and document the consequences of the Israeli occupation in the West Bank.

The stories range from life as a young person in Jenin refugee camp to youth activists in Masafer Yatta. A rural community whose existence is threatened by eviction from their land and an increasing number of violent settlers.

We meet young people who insist on non-violent resistance with mobile phones in their hands and others who see no other option but to resort to armed resistance.

Before the war in Gaza broke out on October 7, 2023, the year was the deadliest in the West Bank for two decades. Since the war, the violent trend has intensified, with over 700 Palestinians in the West Bank losing their lives, including many youths and children. In addition, more than 15 villages have been displaced by settlers and the Israeli military, according to the UN.

The project is supported by OpEn - The Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Information & Engagement Fund.

'Evacuated to an Uncertain Life' was exhibited at Ungdommens Folkemøde 2023 in Copenhagen, Denmark. 

Part of the project was published in print and online in the Danish newspaper Information. Earlier this year, 'Evacuated to an Uncertain Life' won both the Kravling Price and  the Ritzau Scanpix Price