A No Go Area

The Migrant Effect

This collection was taken in the south of Tel Aviv ad relates to illegal migration. As I see it, two populations are involved, both of which have deep seated, complex issues to contend with. The migrants come to a country with nothing and must survive. They usually congregate and establish themselves in the poorest areas and slowly displace the locals Often there is open conflict. This is what happened in the one of Tel Aviv’s southern districts called Neve Sha’anan. Between 2005 and 2012 many illegals arrived from Eritrea and Sudan. In addition, a huge bus station was built which disrupted the Israeli population. It was a total failure, attracting crime, drugs and prostitution. The local Israelis left and the migrants moved in. Entering the area is like being in another country.

As I exited the train station I noticed the characteristic red number plate of a police car. The policeman was sitting in the car but got out and approached me. He questioned me about my identity and when I satisfied him, I asked him why he picked on me. He said that he thought about some other possibility. Maybe because I had my camera out. A small Fuji x!00 vi. I don’t know. Never thought I was the suspicious looking type.

I started to walk into the area. It was like entering a different country:

The colours were different; both skin and clothes:

There were dark corners where deals were being made

Or waiting to be made

Inside the places were disorganized and disheveled

But occasionally also activity:

Back outside there were signs of of poverty:

There were also younger people with a more upbeat look:

And very occasionally a white face:

The question, I ask, is what will happen to these people? What will happen to their children? They are stateless. They cannot go back. They also cannot go forwards. This has nothing to do with racism. It is about people left in limbo, who have to fend for themselves and alone. Nothing good can come of that in any society.