A wound that refuses to heal
As soon as we inquire about displaced people, the all-Druze villagers of Kfar Matta give us the whole story: terrible massacres, bodies left to rot on the road for several weeks and the exile of the Christian half of the village in the aftermath of the fighting.
Around us are excited children who hope to be on television and try not to miss a word of what is being told. In the background, distrustful villagers keep driving by wondering what this is all about. Others try hard to hear what is going on from their balconies.
Alerted of our presence, a conciliatory mayor drives up in a big Mercedes. He's open to all kinds of solutions but knows the matter won't be settled anytime soon. The government is not really helping them but what can it do? The psychological wound is deep and as someone points out ''money doesn't solve everything." The Druze don't want to see certain Christians who participated in the massacres come back. There will be no reconciliation.
Contrary to fellow Druze, a forgiving woman whose father was killed by members of the village's Christian faction is not averse to see those that were not directly responsible return. Will they ever? For a lot of villagers, too much blood was spilt in Kfar Matta
Instinctive photography
Samer pretends to surprise people with his digital camera and they pretend to be surprised. Most people enjoy having their picture taken, especially the younger generations. For these kinds of pictures no tripod or long pauses are necessary, instead a lot of talking and movement is required. Pictures are taken while walking, driving and eating... less thought more instinct. |
