In recent weeks, Australian and New Zealand journalists have donated €9,000, the International Transport Federation €8,000, €920 has come from the Industrial Workers of the World Freelance Workers’ Union, €250 from journalists at Ireland’s national broadcaster RTÉ, and €583 from a branch of the British trades union Unison.
Some acts of kindness were prompted my memories of departed colleagues who had worked in Palestine, or in other conflict zones. For example, more than €3,000 was been donated in memory of Ali Mustafa, the Toronto-based photo-journalist who was killed in Syria, almost exactly a decade ago. A Collective organised in his name memorialises his work and collected the funds from supporters.
Group behind this donation said: “Palestinian journalists on the ground in Gaza are engaging in this same ‘people’s journalism’ (that Mustafa championed), providing the nuance and context lacking in some media. This work has come at a terrible cost. Donations to the Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate will ensure that media workers on the ground have access to basic supplies and safety equipment, so that they can continue sharing news from Gaza.”
Other donations were made in the name of Rex E Ellis, a former war correspondent, who for many years was a radio journalist in Hong Kong.
In Australia and New Zealand, members of the Media and Arts Alliance (MEAA), and E tũ also collected donations from supporters of more general press freedom campaigns to boost giving.
Adam Portelli, MEAA’s deputy director said: “We are in awe of the courage and commitment of those journalists who continue to report from the frontline there. Without them, the rest of the world would be uninformed about the true scale of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. We wanted to do something practical to show our support and solidarity for the journalists of Palestine”.
In Dublin, Ireland, a group of NUJ members came together to organise a quiz night to support journalists in Palestine that raised €2,300. Stephen Bourke one of the organisers said: “Irish journalists know that our colleagues in Gaza are enduring the unimaginable as their home has been made the most dangerous place in the world to be a member of the press”.
Their event started life with very modest intentions, but in the end support exceeded Bourke’s expectations, with more than 50 people attending to honour Gaza’s steadfast media workers.
All the money collected will be passed to the Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate (PJS), which will transfer the money into Gaza – in some cases to union officials who will buy goods for onward distribution. Some of the funds will be used for direct payment to journalists themselves.
The situation for journalists in Gaza was laid bare in a statement by Palestinian journalist Sami Abu Salem. Speaking from Gaza he said: “It is filthy here, there is sewage in the streets, and queues everywhere. Nearly all journalists are living in tents – knowing how we are targeted, landlords are reluctant to let us even a room. We have no electricity, internet, food, water or fuel” – you can see the full interview.
PJS president, Nasser Abu Baker welcomed the support. “Such generosity from some many people, all over the world is a source of great hope for me”, he said. “The suffering in Gaza, and the West Bank is beyond easy description. All these funds raised, however, will be of immediate and significant help to journalists in Gaza. Everyone who has helped, has their heartfelt appreciation”.
For all the recent generosity, the needs of journalists in Gaza is still extreme. International correspondents have still not been allowed into the enclave, the death toll continues to rise, hunger has become a pressing issue. If you are able to help, please do. Donations can be made via Donorbox HERE or by making payments directly to the International Safety Fund.
IFJ SAFETY FUND ACCOUNT
IBAN: BE64 2100 7857 0052.
Swift Bic: GEBABEBBXXX
Tim Dawson is deputy general secretary of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).