Photos Of Gavriel Rosenfeld In Jerusalem Zoo (Photo Essay)

By BJLIfe/Sharon Altshul
Posted on 03/14/22

Jerusalem, Israel - Mar. 14, 2022  - The Tisch Family Biblical Zoo in Yerushalayim is located outside the Malha neighborhood in a scenic wooded area. It has an international reputation with tourists and is well known for its collection of animal wildlife centered and based on the species found in the Tanach.

 On Sunday evening March 13, 2022, a unique event was held in the Zoo's Educational Center Noah’s Ark. For the opening of a special photo exhibit titled Animal Equilibrium the family and close friends of Gavriel Rosenfeld gathered to admire his work.

Gavriel is the 20-year-old son of Kerry and Doron Rosenfeld. They are new Olim from England, joining other family members, and presently living in Raanana.

Gavriel shared a bit of his story, speaking before cutting the red ribbon. After serious academic setbacks and failures, Gavriel achieved a Grade "B" in A-Level photography and a "Distinction" in his Media B-Tech.

"For all who know Gavriel and what he increasingly has to contend with, you will know this is a super-human achievement" his father has stated.

At age four, Gavriel was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness. The genetic disease is due to the alterations of a protein called dystrophin that helps keep muscle cells intact. Researchers have found it is caused by a genetic mutation on one of the mother's  X-chromosomes. 

Though research has identified some of the affected genes, in the past children with DMD, only lived to their late teens or 20s. However, improvements in cardiac and respiratory care have extended life expectancy, with many DMD patients reaching their 30s, and some living into their 40s and 50s.

Confined to a wheelchair since he was 12, Gavriel used his newly realized artistic talent and disadvantage as an advantage to capture photographic images in the zoo from his eye level.

It was cold and wet outside in the rest of the nighttime dark zoo but in Noah's Ark the space was filled with warmth and light. The room was filled with the proud and excited extended family rejoicing in Gavriel's achievements. This was Gavriel's first photo exhibition. Hopefully, the first of many future successes.

The photo essay includes photos on the wall from various angles. For many of the invited guests for the opening evening, it was hard to find a favorite, though the black and white image of his brother's reflection in the gorilla enclosure glass is a winner image.