My name is Arnold Szmerling, originally from Australia. Photography isn’t just my passion; it’s been woven into the very fabric of my being for over three decades. Over the years, I’ve captured images of intriguing individuals, stunning landscapes, and the vibrant tapestry of life, both as part of paid assignments and in my personal projects.

But on October 7th, 2023, my life took an unexpected turn. I was rudely awakened by the relentless wail of sirens as rockets rained down on my homeland for three agonizing hours. It didn’t take long for me to grasp the gravity of the situation as horrific images and videos surfaced, depicting unspeakable acts committed against my people.

Israel was plunged into a state of war within hours. The life I knew, both professionally and personally, came to a sudden standstill.  We found ourselves in the throes of conflict, with the very real possibility of escalation.

Amid this chaos, I knew I had to hit the reset button and find a way to make the best of this situation. More importantly, I realized that to preserve my mental well-being, I needed to embark on a new project.

This new project isn’t a novel concept; it’s something I’ve longed to pursue for some time now. I present to you “PPL – People, Places, and Life Magazine.”

This digital magazine will be showcased through Instagram and Facebook platforms. The heart of this endeavor is in creating fresh, captivating content. This entails traveling to various locations to capture the profound beauty and share compelling stories. 

During a war, I aim to be a beacon of hope, to cast a light on the beauty of Israel and its resilient people. I invite you to join me on this journey, to support my mission, and to help me bring the world a glimpse of the magnificence that thrives amid these challenging circumstances.

I hope to spread a message of resilience, unity, and beauty, even in the darkest of times. Together, we can make a profound difference in the lives of countless individuals who need a reminder of the light that still shines.

Thank you for following “PPL – People, Places, and Life Magazine.”