Nicolette Alexandra

Yara, 2024, New Brunswick, New Jersey

"Humans of the Palestinian Diaspora" a photography and oral history project that documents the lived experiences of Palestinians displaced by Zionist violence and occupation. Through portraits and deeply personal narratives, the project seeks to reclaim Palestinian humanity and complexity, so often erased or misrepresented in dominant media portrayals. This particular image features Yara, a Palestinian woman born and raised in New Jersey, whose story carries the weight of inherited memory and resistance. Her family's roots trace back to Tulkarm in the occupied West Bank. Her mother’s life under occupation, which was marked by military raids, checkpoints, and daily fear, shaped Yara’s understanding of what it means to carry a Palestinian identity in the diaspora. Yara shared how her mother’s journey through Birzeit University and beyond taught her that education is a form of resistance. She now dedicates herself to reshaping how Palestine is understood, invoking Edward Said’s reflection that to be Palestinian is to repeat one’s story “from the beginning, every time.” Her portrait is not just a still moment, it’s a quiet declaration of defiance, dignity, and remembrance.

Print size: 16x20

Each print is crafted on heavyweight 260gsm Luster paper, sourced from Japan. This premium finish strikes the perfect balance between a glossy's vibrant color and a matte's fingerprint-resistant elegance. The result is a stunning, gallery-quality piece with incredible depth and detail, designed to last.

• Gallery Quality: Rich color saturation and exceptional clarity.
• Heirloom Finish: Luxurious, fingerprint-resistant luster surface.
• Premium Feel: Substantial 260gsm weight with a 10 mil thickness.