Tamir Ben Kalifa is a visual journalist with over a decade of experience in the U.S., Israel and beyond. He is committed to work focused on human rights and the lasting effects of gun violence as well as stories at the intersection of political and environmental issues. He believes compassionate visual storytelling can raise questions that lead to a better understanding of ourselves and one another.
Throughout his career, Tamir has documented devastating natural disasters, flash points at the U.S.-Mexico border, civil unrest, the consequences of mass violence, dire environmental issues, presidential campaigns and more. He has developed strong enterprising skills for open-ended assignments and regularly pitches stories.
He is a frequent contributor to The NewYorkTimes, TheWashington Post, Texas Monthly and others. In addition to English, Tamir speaks fluent Hebrew, basic Spanish, and has produced multiple stories in Israel, the West Bank and on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border.
Tamir also wrote, recorded and performed original music as a member of Mother Falcon, an Austin-based orchestral indie-rock ensemble founded in 2009. Together they produced four original albums, supported by numerous tours across the United States and Canada, and continue running a summer camp for young musicians that was started in 2010.