Born in New York City in 1984, Jonathan Benjamin Small is an American/Israeli photographer based in Berlin working primarily in the field of social documentation. Thirteen years ago, he ventured to Tel Aviv to pursue a master's degree in creative writing, with aspirations of becoming a writer, only to discover a different calling. Realizing that the novel wasn’t his destined path, the vibrant city of Tel Aviv became his adopted home. After graduate school, Jonathan found himself in the world of tech startups. However, a few years into this corporate trajectory, he confronted a spiritual crisis that catalyzed a profound shift.

A turning point arrived when Jonathan quit tech and volunteered to teach African asylum seekers in South Tel Aviv. This experience ignited a profound sense of purpose as he witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by these marginalized individuals. During this period, the Israeli government's hostile stance towards asylum seekers intensified, perpetuating negative stereotypes. Jonathan was compelled to challenge these prejudices, leading to the conception of his first project, “Maljaa".

Through powerful portraits and poignant stories, Jonathan aimed to humanize the asylum seekers, offering a counter-narrative to divisive rhetoric. "Maljaa" was more than a photography project; it was a social statement, revealing the true faces and stories obscured by inflammatory political rhetoric. The success of "Maljaa" set the trajectory for Jonathan's career in documentary photography. He continues to use his lens to illuminate overlooked narratives, challenging societal perceptions, and urging viewers to see beyond the headlines.

In March 2022, Jonathan took a significant step by joining a friend filming refugees on the Slovakia-Ukraine border. Equipped with a camera, he captured the poignant moments, shaping his commitment to using photography as a tool for advocacy. In a testament to his multifaceted approach to storytelling, Jonathan recently added a new dimension to his creative portfolio by co-authoring a cookbook with Give Something Back to Berlin. Focused on migration and the food traditions people carry, the cookbook reflects Jonathan's dedication to capturing the rich tapestry of human experience.