Palestinian, Syrian and Turkish journalists organized a special commemoration program under the name “Witnesses of the Truth” within the framework of the International Arabic Book Fair, which started on August 11 at the World Trade Center (WTC) Istanbul Expo Center and will end today . At this event, 168 Palestinian journalists were killed by Israel in Gaza. The program started with a minute of silence and the recitation of Surah Fatiha. During the commemoration, photographs of journalists who lost their lives in Gaza were carried. In addition to journalists, publishers and many people who visited the book fair attended the event.
Syrian journalist, one of the organizers of the program Ali TebabIn his statement to Yeni Şafak, he stated that what happened in Gaza turned into a heartbreaking drama. Tebab said, “We carried out this program with my journalist friends to make the voices of our colleagues killed by Israel in Gaza heard to the international community. Israel kills journalists wearing blue vests by treating them as terrorists, though even they are untouchable. What are international institutions doing while journalists are being killed in Gaza? he asked.
Struggle for Life in Journalism
Gazan photojournalist who gave a speech at the event Abdurrahman KahlutHe stated that he was targeted by Israeli forces 7 times while serving in different regions of occupied Palestine. While giving his speech, Kahlut was holding a press vest with the word “Press” written in his hand. “Israel is targeting those who wear this vest. If you’re going to shoot us, we don’t need this vest; “But we will still continue to convey the truth to the world,” he said, leaving the vest on the ground.
Determination and Solidarity
During the program, President of the Palestine Press and Communication Forum Bilal Halil, General Coordinator of Istanbul Arabic Book Fair Muhammed Ağırakça, Arab Journalists House Coordinator Vefa Ubeydand Executive Director of the Lebanese Institution for Human Rights and Democracy Nabil al-HalebiHe also made speeches. At the end of the speeches, journalists collectively swore that they would continue to be the voice of truth despite all the difficulties they would face.
