Excellence in Photojournalism, Single Photo

Anna Rose Layden, “I Give My Left Arm To You,” European Pressphoto Agency/Freelance

ABOUT THE WORK: As the first anniversary of Israel's war on Gaza neared, demonstrators gathered to protest the conflict. Samuel Mena Jr., a correspondent with an Arizonan news station, live-streamed from the rally for thirty minutes before setting his left arm ablaze. The end of a letter posted to his website that morning read, "To the 10 thousand children in Gaza that have lost a limb in this conflict, I give my left arm to you. I pray my voice was able to raise up yours, and that your smiles never disappear."

Anna Rose Layden is a freelance photojournalist based in Washington, DC. She is a member of the Asian-American Journalists Association and White House News Photographers Association. Originally from Oahu, Hawai'i, Anna strives to connect her audience with the stories of individuals affected by political and social issues.

Judges’ comments: “Being able to cover breaking news and compose it while it’s unfolding is difficult. The expressions on everyone’s faces draws you in. Being able to tell the story in one frame is impressive.”

Honorable Mention: Sophie Park, “National Men’s March to Abolish Abortion and Rally for Personhood,” The New York Times

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