Full Breakdown
The Journey of Avishag Shaar-Yashuv: From War Photography to Healing
2/21/2026, 9:18:09 PM
The Impact of October 7 on Avishag Shaar-Yashuv
Avishag Shaar-Yashuv, a photographer for The New York Times, has transitioned from documenting the harrowing realities of conflict to seeking solace in the beauty of everyday life. On October 7, 2023, a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of 251 individuals. Shaar-Yashuv was unaware of the unfolding tragedy until later that day, as she was observing Shabbat in Paris, celebrating a friend's birthday. Upon learning of the attack, she struggled to process the news, reflecting on the emotional toll the war had taken on her.
Personal Connections and Professional Challenges
Following the attack, Shaar-Yashuv discovered that her friends, the Koren family, had survived, while the Kutz family, whom she had known through photography, tragically lost their lives. This personal connection to the victims deepened her commitment to documenting the aftermath of the attack. Shaar-Yashuv traveled to the affected areas, capturing the devastation in kibbutzim and the grief at numerous funerals, including those of people she had loved. Her career began in her teens, and she gained recognition for her work during significant events like the 2010 Carmel forest fire, which shaped her understanding of her profession.
Support from The New York Times
Shaar-Yashuv's collaboration with The New York Times has provided her with a supportive framework during these challenging times. She noted that the publication allows her to prioritize her safety, a contrast to her experiences with Israeli media. This backing has been crucial as she continues to cover the ongoing stories of hostages and their reintegration into everyday life. Despite the emotional burden of her work, she acknowledges the importance of documenting these narratives.
A Return to Creative Expression
As the war's intensity has begun to wane, Shaar-Yashuv is gradually returning to her other creative projects, including her Instagram page dedicated to desserts, "Ugaleshabat," which features her coffee table book on cakes published before the conflict escalated. She finds that even in the context of war, her work resonates with people, as they connect with her culinary creations during moments of grief. Shaar-Yashuv emphasizes the therapeutic nature of her projects, stating, “Something about war is very black and white, and I’m returning to color. I need more of it, we all seem to.”
Official Statements & Responses
Shaar-Yashuv expressed gratitude for the support she receives from The New York Times, stating, “The work gives me the sense that I have someone backing me, and in a situation like this war, it’s very important to have that.” She appreciates the publication's understanding of her limitations as a Sabbath observer and their respect for her safety concerns.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Now I understand how much the war took out of me,” — Avishag Shaar-Yashuv, Photographer
- “It prepared me for having to deal with a lot of things like that, things that were simply unbearable,” — Avishag Shaar-Yashuv, Photographer
- “They told me that if something feels too dangerous or unsafe, don’t do it, and I never heard that from an Israeli paper.” — Avishag Shaar-Yashuv, Photographer
- “This would be in really tough situations, but it reminded me that working on that is therapeutic for me and for others.” — Avishag Shaar-Yashuv, Photographer
Conclusion
Avishag Shaar-Yashuv's journey reflects the profound impact of conflict on personal and professional lives. As she navigates the complexities of war photography and personal healing, her story underscores the resilience of the human spirit in the face of tragedy.
