Jerusalemites
A photographic story capturing 15 years of observation in Jerusalem — blessed by the President of Israel.
Fifteen years of street photography in Jerusalem · 2011–2026
The story
From Symbols to Living Fabric.
Jerusalem is most often documented through its stones: the Western Wall, the towers, the walls. This book shifts the gaze from symbols to the living fabric — from myth to reality.
Two nuns, a woman in a hijab with her children, an ultra-Orthodox man — all sharing the same gate of the Old City. The camera does not judge. It documents authentic coexistence.
The result of thousands of hours of walking and observation. A museum-quality collector's edition, printed on acid-free paper.
The Hebrew lettering throughout the book, including the title on the cover, is set in a typeface made from the handwriting of the late Aner Shapira, through the “Ot Chaim” initiative.
Jerusalem without makeup. Jerusalem of flesh and blood.
— Sharon Gabay, from the introduction
A glimpse
Images from the book
Honor
An Official Blessing from President Isaac Herzog
The President of Israel — an official blessing for the book Jerusalemites
Unofficial English translation (PDF) — the signed Hebrew original is the authoritative document
The President's Residence
The Meeting at the President's Residence
On July 19, 2026, Sharon Gabay was hosted at the President's Residence and presented “Jerusalemites” to President Isaac Herzog. The President browsed the book, and a signed print was shown at the meeting.
You are an amazing photographer. This thing is stunning in its beauty.
— Isaac Herzog, President of Israel · The President's Residence, July 19, 2026
The moment the book was presented · In Hebrew, with subtitles
Meeting photographs — credit: President's Residence staff.
International recognition
From Jerusalem to the world
The White House, Washington D.C.
Sharon's previous books are held in the official White House collection.
United Nations, New York
Solo exhibition at the UN Headquarters.
Library of Congress, Washington D.C.
His book is part of the permanent collection.
Cultural Diplomacy
His work is used by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and exhibited in embassies worldwide.
The book
One Object, Three Languages
A wide-format art book. Massive hardcover with a branded cardboard slipcase, both with selective Spot UV. Smyth sewn for durability and complete lay-flat viewing. Printed on 170gsm matte chromo paper.
ISBN: 978-965-5977-87-5 · In the official record: National Library of Israel
Milestones
Quick facts
Reviews
What people say about the book
Thank you, dear Sharon Gabay, for this mission you carried out with talent, with professionalism, and above all with an immense love for Jerusalem.
You are such a unique photographer. You have the ability to photograph the soul of the people, and in this book, one can see the soul of Jerusalem. It is an amazing and important book that deserves to be distributed globally.
Sharon doesn't just photograph the Western Wall, the walls and the stones, but the human fabric that gives Jerusalem its soul. Thank you, Sharon, for building a living archive of Jerusalem — not only as it looks, but as it feels.
An important book like no other.
A masterpiece. A one-of-a-kind work of art.
This book is stunning. A precise blend of Jerusalem — its landscapes, its people, its colors.
The book is truly perfect. Profound, moving, and aesthetic. A new perspective on Jerusalem I had never seen before.
I have never seen a book like this, or anything similar done about Jerusalem.
The books are BEAUTIFUL! What an accomplishment and a gift for Jerusalem.
U.S. Embassy in Israel
A Letter of Recommendation from Ambassador Mike Huckabee
On July 14, 2026, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee sent an official letter of recommendation for “Jerusalemites”, on U.S. Embassy Jerusalem letterhead.
You have the ability to photograph the soul of the people, and in this book, one can see the soul of Jerusalem. It is an amazing and important book that deserves to be distributed globally.
— Mike Huckabee, U.S. Ambassador to Israel · from the official letter, July 14, 2026
Diplomacy
An Official Gift to Ambassadors & Diplomats
Since its release, “Jerusalemites” has been presented as an official gift to public figures, ambassadors and diplomats from Israel and around the world — among them U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee — who wanted to see Jerusalem through Sharon Gabay's eyes. A few of the official meetings around the book.
The event
The Official Launch
On Jerusalem Day, the official launch of “Jerusalemites” was celebrated at the Jerusalem House of Quality. Guests, journalists and lovers of the city gathered among the exhibition prints — for opening remarks, live music and a first look at the book. A few moments from the evening.
Unboxing
The Book in Hand.
Unboxing by Dafna Liel, Channel 12 News
Final copies of the first edition, signed and numbered, $165
Second Edition pre order now open: $120 instead of $149, estimated delivery by December 31, 2026 →