06 Branch support


Anna Wagstaff, Oxford branch secretary, on why we need to keep donating


T


he devastating war on Gaza is now in its eighth month. Troughout this time, our Palestinian colleagues


have been the only journalists on the ground ensuring the realities of the deaths and destruction do not go unreported. More than 100 of them have been killed. As fellow journalists we can mourn those deaths, but right now many of us feel it is those who continue to bring out the news that need our support. Tey must be mentally, physically and emotionally exhausted and there seems to be no end in sight. So, a growing number of NUJ


branches have now agreed to make monthly donations to the IFJ


Gaza appeal alongside our regular donations to NUJ Extra. To get around the complexities of foreign transactions, the NUJ will process monthly donations from branches (email jackiec@nuj.org.uk) and send them on to the IFJ Safety Fund. Currently, six branches have agreed to make monthly donations, either open-ended or for an initial six or 12 months. A few weeks ago, TV reporter, Sami Abusalem (pictured below), speaking via a videoclip from Rafah, outlined to a packed side meeting at the UN Human Rights Council just how badly journalists needed support to keep going from day to day. “We suffer from lack of time, lack of food, lack of internet, lack of electricity, lack of medication, lack of safety, we have


IFJ update


Tim Dawson, IFJ deputy general secretary, praised the generosity of NUJ branches in a speech for International Workers’ Memorial Day. Te IFJ has also received €10,000 from Te American News Guild and the National Writers Union. Te Media Arts Alliance Australia, and their colleagues in New Zealand sent €8,000, the International Transport Workers’ Federation provided another €6,000. Working with the Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate, the money has been used to supply blast-trauma packs and bateries for cameras and other equipment as well as food and shelter. Direct payments have gone to women journalists to help fund their particular needs. Tere are plans to provide a social hub and space for training and recuperation, similar to those the IFJ created in the Ukraine.


nothing …” At the time this was recorded he and his family were part of a journalist community living in flimsy tents near one of the last functioning hospitals – one of the few places they can recharge their equipment. Few among us could work under those conditions, day aſter day. But by signing up to donate regular monthly sums we can at least signal that we are standing alongside our Palestinian colleagues for the long term.


GAZA


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