In Conversation

PHOTOGRAPHY SERIES

This one-of-a-kind series brings together 26 individuals for open and honest conversations about some of the most painful and polarizing events of our time: the brutal Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, Israel’s subsequent actions in Palestine, and the eruption of violence in Amsterdam in November 2024.

What makes this project truly special is that the participants come from vastly different backgrounds—some are meeting for the first time, while others already have a connection. A Muslim and a Jew, a Palestinian and an Israeli—each pair sits face to face, engaging in a dialogue that is rare in times of division.

In a moment when tensions and violence have made understanding feel impossible, this project dares to create space for real conversations. It’s not about agreement but about listening, seeing, and recognizing each other’s humanity.

RELEASE

GENRE

PHOTOGRAPHER

WRITER

PRODUCER

IN COLLABORATION WITH

STORY

2025

PHOTOSERIES

MIRIAM GUTTMANN

SALWA VAN DER GAAG

STICHTING OPEN MIND

GEMEENTE / MUNICIPALITY

“In Conversation” is an initiative of the Amsterdam City Council. It was launched following the adoption of a motion in November 2023 by councillors Itay Garmy and Sheher Khan. The motion urges the municipal executive to actively counter the dehumanisation of Amsterdam residents affected by rising antisemitism and anti-Muslim discrimination. The initiative seeks to give these residents a face by sharing their personal stories — fostering understanding, empathy, and connection across communities.

HIGHLIGHTS

IN THE NEWS

The outdoor exhibition is traveling through all the districts of Amsterdam.

PICTURES

Tamar (28) – a Jewish Amsterdammer – and Dana (24) – a Palestinian Amsterdammer - know each other from so-called connection dinners. Since Hamas’ attack on Israel on 7 October 2023 and the bombing of Gaza, Tamar has been organising them with her sist

Tamar (28) – a Jewish Amsterdammer – and Dana (24) – a Palestinian Amsterdammer - know each other from so-called connection dinners. Since Hamas’ attack on Israel on 7 October 2023 and the bombing of Gaza, Tamar has been organising them with her sister to bring Dutch Jews, Israelis and Palestinians together.

Chantal (44), a Jewish woman dedicated to interfaith dialogue, and Radi (67), of Dutch and Palestinian descent, share their lifelong commitment to bridging divides. Their story emphasizes the importance of empathy and the impact of personal connectio

Chantal (44), a Jewish woman dedicated to interfaith dialogue, and Radi (67), of Dutch and Palestinian descent, share their lifelong commitment to bridging divides. Their story emphasizes the importance of empathy and the impact of personal connections in overcoming prejudice.

Taghreed (54) and Maurice (40) both write about Israel and Palestine. Maurice’s mother was the sole survivor of her family during the Holocaust. Taghreed grew up in Gaza and lives in Amsterdam. Their dialogue reflects on the importance of remembrance

Taghreed (54) and Maurice (40) both write about Israel and Palestine. Maurice’s mother was the sole survivor of her family during the Holocaust. Taghreed grew up in Gaza and lives in Amsterdam. Their dialogue reflects on the importance of remembrance and the need for reconciliation.

Imam Shamier (49) and Rabbi Awraham (81) see it as completely natural to share a message of connection—together. That’s why they regularly visit schools, speaking side by side to inspire understanding and mutual respect.

Imam Shamier (49) and Rabbi Awraham (81) see it as completely natural to share a message of connection—together. That’s why they regularly visit schools, speaking side by side to inspire understanding and mutual respect.

Neomi (62), born in Israel and living in the Netherlands for 33 years, and Anisa (27), of mixed Dutch and Palestinian heritage, discuss their diverse backgrounds and the complexities of identity. Their conversation reflects on the importance of embra

Neomi (62), born in Israel and living in the Netherlands for 33 years, and Anisa (27), of mixed Dutch and Palestinian heritage, discuss their diverse backgrounds and the complexities of identity. Their conversation reflects on the importance of embracing diversity and fostering inclusivity.

Journalist Salwa (32), with a Palestinian father, and filmmaker Miriam (30), a Jewish Amsterdammer, met through 'connection dinners' organized by Miriam and her sister. Their collaboration on the exhibition IN CONVERSATION highlights the power of sto

Journalist Salwa (32), with a Palestinian father, and filmmaker Miriam (30), a Jewish Amsterdammer, met through 'connection dinners' organized by Miriam and her sister. Their collaboration on the exhibition IN CONVERSATION highlights the power of storytelling in bridging divides and promoting empathy. Salwa guided and transcribed the conversations; Miriam created the duo portraits.

Following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, Noa (24) and Oumaima (22) co-founded Deel de Duif, an initiative aimed at fostering dialogue between Jews and Muslims. They discuss the importance of open conversations and mutual understanding in combating

Following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, Noa (24) and Oumaima (22) co-founded Deel de Duif, an initiative aimed at fostering dialogue between Jews and Muslims. They discuss the importance of open conversations and mutual understanding in combating prejudice and building community.

Oudail (28), who moved to the Netherlands from Lebanon at 13, and Nati (26), born in Israel and raised in the Netherlands, share their experiences of cultural adaptation and identity. Their conversation highlights the challenges and strengths of navi

Oudail (28), who moved to the Netherlands from Lebanon at 13, and Nati (26), born in Israel and raised in the Netherlands, share their experiences of cultural adaptation and identity. Their conversation highlights the challenges and strengths of navigating multiple cultural landscapes.

Sliman (39), a Palestinian from Nazareth, has lost 19 family members in Gaza since October 7, 2023. Erella, a Jewish Israeli-Dutch woman, reflects on the shared human experiences of loss and the importance of dialogue in healing and understanding. To

Sliman (39), a Palestinian from Nazareth, has lost 19 family members in Gaza since October 7, 2023. Erella, a Jewish Israeli-Dutch woman, reflects on the shared human experiences of loss and the importance of dialogue in healing and understanding. Together with friends, she co-founded Gate48—a platform for critical Israeli voices in the Netherlands.

Zohar (40), from a Romanian Jewish family in Israel, and Volkert (46), born in the Netherlands to a Dutch father and Palestinian mother, discuss their diverse backgrounds and the complexities of identity. Their dialogue highlights the nuances of heri

Zohar (40), from a Romanian Jewish family in Israel, and Volkert (46), born in the Netherlands to a Dutch father and Palestinian mother, discuss their diverse backgrounds and the complexities of identity. Their dialogue highlights the nuances of heritage and the importance of mutual respect.

Achraf (27), born and raised in Amsterdam with Moroccan roots, and Micha (72), born in Israel and living in the Netherlands for 46 years, explore their differing perspectives on identity and belonging. Their conversation delves into the complexities

Achraf (27), born and raised in Amsterdam with Moroccan roots, and Micha (72), born in Israel and living in the Netherlands for 46 years, explore their differing perspectives on identity and belonging. Their conversation delves into the complexities of cultural heritage and the challenges of bridging generational and national divides.

Jelle (36), a Jewish Amsterdammer, and Sobhi (39), a Palestinian born in Nazareth, discuss their experiences navigating identity and belonging in a multicultural society. Their conversation reflects on the challenges and rewards of cross-cultural und

Jelle (36), a Jewish Amsterdammer, and Sobhi (39), a Palestinian born in Nazareth, discuss their experiences navigating identity and belonging in a multicultural society. Their conversation reflects on the challenges and rewards of cross-cultural understanding.

Bekend maakt bemind is the initiative of Amsterdam councillors Itay (30, Volt) and Sheher (37, DENK). They have been urging everyone willing to listen: please talk to each other. This exhibition was made possible thanks to the motion they submitted t

Bekend maakt bemind is the initiative of Amsterdam councillors Itay (30, Volt) and Sheher (37, DENK). They have been urging everyone willing to listen: please talk to each other. This exhibition was made possible thanks to the motion they submitted to the city council.