Ward and Nai

“Ward and Nai” are two young children from Balata Refugee Camp in the West Bank. Despite their young age, they would walk long distances together through the narrow alleys of the overcrowded camp, where children play traditional games like hide and seek, “Hot & Cold,” marbles, and “Qashet.” Their destination was always the Yafa Cultural Center, where they eagerly watched theater rehearsals. Though the plays were often beyond their age level, something magical about the stage kept drawing them back. They came regularly, sometimes even before the actors arrived — undeterred by the presence of military forces or nearby clashes. The image captures their innocence, determination, and the enduring power of art in the heart of conflict.