The poignant images caught on lens by photographers Andrea & Magda (www.andrea-magda.com) relives the trials and tribulations of the faithful during the fasting month as they simply seek to exist. The photo exhibition will open in the Franco-German Cultural Center of Ramallah (near Al Manara Square) on May 6, 2010, at 6 p.m. The exhibition will then be displayed in the French cultural centers of Jerusalem in July, Nablus in August, Bethlehem in September and Hebron in October.

Some of the exhibits bring out the deep attachment and also the importance Muslims give to Al-Aqsa Mosque. Looking at the dense crowd of people gathering each Friday of Ramadan at the check points to reach the Dome of the Rock, one easily understands how deep is the attachment of the Palestinian Muslims for the holy place.

This year, the fast was particularly challenging as it was taking place in summertime. Therefore, the attempt to reach Al Aqsa despite the hours of wait under the sun and the risk to be denied could be named an act of an heroism (the conditions imposed by the IDF allowed only men over 50 and women over 45 to pass).

A pre-checkpoint was added to the usual one to "filter" the people, whereas a consequent number of "candidates" would attempt to pass despite their age considered as too young for the IDF, motivated by hope and determination. According to the UN agency, OCHA, Israel has prohibited more than 40 percent of the West Bank population, from entering occupied East Jerusalem for Friday prayers.

The limiting of access to their capital increases the feeling of frustration and humiliation amongst the Palestinians of the West Bank, who cluster at the checkpoints — an unique point of passage to reach Jerusalem. The checkpoint is one of the most powerful tool of the occupation. And this is brought out in the exhibition.

If anybody would like to host the exhibition, to buy some pictures or just ask questions, please contact us: [email protected] call at 054 9291691 or just visit our website www.andrea-magda.com.