Hamayel’s Sea

A friend of mine saw the sea for the very first time on Sunday. He’s been trying for years but because he’s a Palestinian born in the occupied Territories, his movement has always been restricted and he’s never been allowed to visit Gaza or historic Palestine. He’s 24 years of age, studies film and has “a thing” for porkpie hats and puns. And now, thanks to a mutual friend who knows a kind and powerful Israeli woman (with all the right connections), after years of failed attempts, Hamayel now also has “a thing” for the sea. He was granted a permit last week and I was fortunate enough to tag along. Here’s a video I made of his first moments on the sand and in the sea at Yafa.