Joel Schalit

Oct 1, 2024 | thebattleground.eu | Joel Schalit

Standing on a U-Bahn platform in Charlottenburg, I was surrounded by conscription-age boys sporting shaved heads and trainers. Carrying huge rucksacks on their shoulders, it was hard to tell what direction they were headed. Were they fleeing the draft in Ukraine, or had they just completed military training in Berlin and were heading back to the front? My gut told me home. My train to Neukölln arrived before I could ask. Berlin had never felt so much at war.

Aug 19, 2024 | thebattleground.substack.com | Joel Schalit

By Joel SchalitI need to go to Rome more often. In town to take part in a television documentary, I had two evenings to unwind in San Lorenzo and shoot my heart out with my camera. I’d chosen to stay in the area on purpose. Few Italian neighbourhoods have as much street art to take in as this one. For a city visually dominated by its imperial history, this would be the alternative view.

Jun 26, 2024 | thebattleground.eu | Joel Schalit

Gaza and gelato. Via Po, Torino. In a university town with a large immigrant community, it makes sense. Talk to anyone under thirty or of African or Middle Eastern background, and you’ll hear the same. The fascist element is a reflection of far-right activism in the city, which ebbs and flows based on national politics. Italy’s far-right government has been a catalyst for renewed visibility amongst nationalist organisations. The focus on Gaza has been continuous since 7 October.

Jun 25, 2024 | thebattleground.substack.com | Joel Schalit

By Joel SchalitIf graffiti is your guide, the only topics in Torino are fascism and Gaza. In a university town with a large immigrant community, it makes sense. Talk to anyone under thirty or of African or Middle Eastern background, and you’ll hear the same. The fascist element is a reflection of far-right activism in the city, which ebbs and flows based on national politics. Italy’s far-right government has been a catalyst for renewed visibility amongst nationalist organisations.

Jun 13, 2024 | thebattleground.substack.com | Joel Schalit

By Joel SchalitIt’s a stark contrast to the way things should be. Yet, if you delve deep enough, the lines start to blur, and it all begins to resemble a single, troubling reality. Especially when it comes to photographing political topics. In a country governed by the far right, it’s an easy call to make. Domestic issues, such as diversity and immigration, blend in all too easily with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Nationalist frameworks leave very little room to conclude otherwise.