Winner of the Anja Niedringhaus Courage in Photojournalism Award Revealed

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“I think it’s the highest honor I’ve ever experienced in my career,” says American photographer Heidi Levine, the first recipient of the Anja Niedringhaus Courage in Photojournalism Award. “Yet, at the same time, I really feel heartbroken because of the circumstances in which this award was created.”

Niedringhaus, a Pulitzer Prize-winning Associated Press (AP) photographer died a year ago when she and her AP colleague Kathy Gannon were shot by a uniformed Afghan police officer in Khost Province, Afghanistan. The International Women’s Media Foundation launched the award to honor Niedringhaus’ courage and dedication.

Levine was selected for her work covering last year’s conflict in Gaza, the most recent set of images she’s produced about the enclave since moving to the Middle East in 1983.“I’ve [always felt] this calling to bear witness,” she tells TIME. “I know that most people don’t understand why we do what we do; why we run forward when everyone else is fleeing; why we’re compelled to do this. And this award will help me continue to believe in what I’m doing and not give up.”

For the judges, who included TIME’s director of photography Kira Pollack, AP’s vice president Santiago Lyon and Michele McNally of the New York Times, Levine’s work showed that her “courage and commitment to the story” were unwavering. “She documents tragic events under dire circumstances while displaying a depth of compassion for the people she encounters,” the jury said in a statement.

Levin will receive her award, as well as a $20,000 cash prize, at a ceremony in Berlin on June 25.

The jury also gave honorable mentions to photographers Anastasia Vlasova and Rebecca Blackwell for their work in Ukraine and Central African Republic, respectively.

Women mourn during the funeral of boys who were killed by an Israeli naval bombardment in the port of Gaza, July 16, 2014.
Women mourn during the funeral of boys who were killed by an Israeli naval bombardment in the port of Gaza, July 16, 2014. Heidi Levine for The National
Hidya Atash stands on the top floor of her home as she overlooks the destruction in Shujayea in Gaza at dawn Aug. 8, 2014.
Hidya Atash stands on the top floor of her home as she overlooks the destruction in Shujayea in Gaza at dawn Aug. 8, 2014. Heidi Levine for The National
Palestinians collect Muslim religious books in the rubble of the Al- Qassam mosque in the Nuseirat camp in Gaza July 9, 2014.
Palestinians collect Muslim religious books in the rubble of the Al- Qassam mosque in the Nuseirat camp in Gaza July 9, 2014.Heidi Levine for The National
Palestinian men run with a white flag in the Shejaia neighborhood, which was heavily shelled by Israel during fighting, in Gaza City July 20, 2014.
Palestinian men run with a white flag in the Shejaia neighborhood, which was heavily shelled by Israel during fighting, in Gaza City July 20, 2014.Heidi Levine for The National
Family members surround and pray over the bodies of Palestinian brothers Amir Mustafa Arief, 15, and Mohamed Arief, 12, during their funeral at a mosque in the Shejaiya neighborhood of Gaza City, July 9, 2014.
Family members surround and pray over the bodies of Palestinian brothers Amir Mustafa Arief, 15, and Mohamed Arief, 12, during their funeral at a mosque in the Shejaiya neighborhood of Gaza City, July 9, 2014.Heidi Levine for The National
Rawya abu Jom'a, 17, at the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, July 22,2014.
Rawya abu Jom'a, 17, at the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, July 22,2014.Heidi Levine for The National

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