Test of Time: Gaza Beach by Samar Abu Elouf

September 15, 2025by Elisa Medde

To celebrate Foam’s 25th anniversary, Foam Magazine’s latest issue Test of Time features a special section in which some of the most esteemed thought-makers in the photography world were invited to choose one image they think will stand the test of time and why. 

 

Gaza Beach, August 18, 2023 by Samar Abu Elouf. Courtesy of the artist

 

When thinking about which images will stand the test of time, I find myself stuck trying to define what that means, how it works. Which time? Whose time? Is it this delusional time, quintessentially Western, rooted in the belief that the theoretical can save us from the anxiety of the photograph?  

Which images will haunt us tomorrow? and the day after? and the day after that? And ‘after’ what, exactly? As I spiral in the cynicism of my current image fatigue, I am reminded by Alfredo Jaar, speaking from the wall in front of my desk: ‘You Do Not Take A Photograph, You Make A Photograph’.  

Our time—whatever that is—will be defined by the continuous visual stream of genocidal atrocities. Images of the cruelty of the war on Gaza come to mind: what Israel is being allowed to do in Gaza and the West Bank is calling into question our faith in the rule of law and the media, both complicit. It’s become clear that the goal is annihilation, contingent on oblivion. Real estate and a reforestation project will do the rest.  

This is why I hope this image stands the test of time. Taken on August 18th, 2023, on Gaza beach by Samar Abu Elouf, it shows a moment of calm: young kids enjoying the sea during a hot day, playing, splashing around. I chose this picture because I want to remember what Gaza was, the resilience and resistance of its population. I cannot avoid thinking of what is of those kids now.  



 

This feature was published in Foam Magazine 67, Test of Time, in 2025. To read the full magazine, order FM#67

About the artist

SAMAR ABU ELOUF is an award-winning Palestinian photojournalist. Previously based in Gaza City, Abu Elouf puts herself at the center of danger to chronicle how conflict, loss, and need affect people in her own community. Since 2010, she has worked on assignment for Reuters, The New York Times, and other news outlets. She is the 10th annual recipient of the Anja Niedringhaus Courage in Photojournalism Award and World Press Photo of the Year Award, 2025.

In 2018-19, Abu Elouf documented the Gaza border protests, also known as the Great March of Return. She worked with ZUMA Press to cover stories related to the COVID-19 pandemic for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). In May 2021, she covered the 11 days of fighting between Israel and Hamas that killed more than 230 people, including several of her own relatives. Most recently, Samar covered the 2023 Israeli bombardment of Gaza in the aftermath of Hamas’ October 7th attacks for The New York Times. Late last year, Abu Elouf was forced to evacuate her home after it was partially destroyed.

About the author

ELISA MEDDE is a photography editor, curator, and writer. Previously, Elisa was editor-in-chief of Foam Magazine, Amsterdam. 

 

Gaza Beach, August 18, 2023 by Samar Abu Elouf. Courtesy of the artist


Test of Time: Elisa Medde To celebrate Foam’s 25th anniversary, Foam Magazine’s latest issue Test of Time features a special s [...]
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Test of Time: Elisa Medde