In the third year of the “Shireen Abu Akleh Award for Media Excellence,” Ayeh Jude has been honored for her powerful coverage depicting the pain and suffering of the Palestinian people in their struggle against the Zionist occupying regime.
This prestigious award is presented annually by Birzeit University in Ramallah, West Bank, to journalists and media figures who demonstrate outstanding courage, integrity, and commitment in reporting on Palestinian issues.
From the early months of the Israeli regime’s military assault on the Gaza Strip, Ayeh Jude, serving as a correspondent for Tasnim News Agency in the besieged enclave, played a crucial role in delivering real-time news, on-the-ground reports, and harrowing video footage exposing the blockade, occupation, and systematic violence inflicted upon Palestinians. Her reporting has brought global attention to the humanitarian catastrophe, highlighting the plight of civilians, including women and children, amidst relentless bombardment and destruction.
Jude’s work stands out for its bravery and dedication, as she reported from Gaza under extremely dangerous conditions, often amid power outages, communication blackouts, and direct threats to her life. Her reports have served not only as news updates but as vital historical documentation of the atrocities committed during the aggression on Gaza.
The award follows the precedent set in its second year, when Hisham Zagout, a journalist with Al Jazeera, received the same honor for his impactful and courageous reporting. Named after the late Al Jazeera correspondent Shireen Abu Akleh, who was killed while covering events in the occupied West Bank, the award symbolizes the high cost of truth-telling in conflict zones.
By honoring Ayeh Jude, Birzeit University reaffirms the critical role of independent, ethical journalism in challenging misinformation and amplifying Palestinian voices. Her recognition underscores the importance of media in holding power to account and ensuring that the world does not look away from injustice.
Tasnim