December 6th, 2024. His arms are raised defiantly. It's almost... He's surrendering, but... He's surrendering to the forces. He's surrendering to death. Complete acceptance. But the look in his eyes tore me up and is still doing so. It's... impossible for me to not see the poignance of that portrait. When I look at his face, I see the Gazans. I was sitting there on the bench in front of the portrait, seated with tears in my eyes, visibly moved, trying not to be, trying to, you know, be discreet.

Get full access to flânerie at www.flanneryfoster.com/subscribe