Tag: Palestine

Activist Spotlight: Journalists in Gaza

February 29th, 2024

This month’s activist spotlight is long overdue, and it serves as a heartfelt thank you to the heroes of an unjust war. I salute all the journalists of Gaza, the people of Gaza, and all the people of Palestine.

“In the face of the harrowing war that unfolded in Gaza following the brutal attacks of Israel, you have emerged as the unsung heroes of our time, painting the vivid and heart-wrenching canvas of truth during these challenging days. Your courage, resilience, and dedication to shedding light on the reality of war and terror faced by the people of Gaza have not gone unnoticed.

Amidst the devastating acts of war and destruction, you stood on the front lines, armed not with weapons but with pens, cameras, and an unwavering commitment to the pursuit of truth. Your reporting has been a beacon of hope, providing the world with a glimpse into the harsh realities faced by the people of Gaza, stories that might have otherwise gone untold. You are the reason thousands of people are marching in the streets all over the world, calling for ceasefire, and advocating for the end of war.

In the midst of danger imposed by Israel’s bombardment, you exhibited remarkable strength, shining a light on the realities that often silenced. Your dedication to journalistic integrity, even in the face of risk, is a testament to your unwavering commitment to truth and justice, and to showing the truth to the world.

As the world tuned in to your reports, we were not just informed; we were moved. Your words and images have transcended the boundaries of news, humanizing the people of Gaza and their suffering, capturing the resilience, and celebrating the spirit of the people of Gaza.

In a world where information can be manipulated and narratives distorted, you stood firm as the guardians of truth. Your work has been a powerful reminder that journalism is not just a profession; it is a vocation, a calling to bear witness to the untold stories and amplify the voices that need to be heard.

Thank you, dear journalists of Gaza, for your courage, your sacrifice, and your relentless pursuit of truth, especially during a war that robbed you of your homes, your families, and everything you know. Your reporting has not only documented history but has also played a crucial role in shaping the collective conscience of humanity. In times of darkness, you have been the light, and for that, I express my deepest gratitude.

Stay safe, and may your cameras and truth continue to be a powerful force for justice, peace, and understanding, and a Free Palestine.”

Until Liberation,

Laura Tannous
Searching all the P’s, O’s, and W’s

January 26th, 2023

It didn’t occur to me that I did that, until I got frustrated one of the many times I couldn’t find it. Palestine. Filling out applications, you usually need to enter your country. Currently living in the US, I would often resort to that, but it doesn’t always work. If it asks for the country of birth or nationality, then I have to look through the list.

I start with looking at the P’s hoping to find “Palestine”, “Palestinian Territories” or some variation of that. Once I finish with Portugal, passing Pakistan, the Phillipines and all the legitimate P’s, I go to the O’s.

“O”? you might wonder. Occupied Palestinian Territories; which is one of the other names you might be able to find my country. It’s loaded, I would say. This one is usually a short glance at “Oman” and no other “O” in sight for me to move on.

My last resort, the “W”. Will “West Bank” at least make it to the list? More often than not, it doesn’t. I think about my next steps. “I’m going to email somebody so they can add Palestine to the list. Where can I find their contact information? What do I even say? Do I ask them to add Palestine, Palestinian Territories, or the O’s and W’s?

I overthink this. I look at the application one more time and I think “do I really wanna work with these people if they don’t acknowledge Palestine?” And yes, I know it’s just the application, they probably had nothing to do with the way it’s set up. But internally, I just want a plausible reason to let them go. And I eventually just close it out.

Tag: Palestine

Activist Spotlight: Journalists in Gaza

Searching all the P’s, O’s, and W’s