Gaza’s Brave Journalists

November 2023 / FW LUXE

Bisan Owda

Wizard Bisan, also known as Bisan Owda, is a 23-year-old Palestinian journalist gaining widespread recognition in Gaza for her courageous documentation of day-to-day life during the Palestinian genocide. Initially showcasing the vibrant culture of Gaza on her Instagram, her feed now reflects the heartbreaking transformation of the city into ruins.

Her journey began with personal stories, shedding light on the impact of Israeli bombardment on her family. However, Wizard Bisan felt compelled to expand her focus to capture the broader crisis unfolding in the streets of Gaza. With over two million Instagram followers, she provides a firsthand account of the dire circumstances faced by innocent civilians in Palestine during the Israeli bombardment.

Despite the challenges posed by this situation, Wizard Bisan remains steadfast in her commitment to bringing attention to the profound ways in which the ongoing genocide has disrupted the daily lives of Palestinians. Through her efforts, people around the world receive real-time updates on the events unfolding in Gaza, gaining insight into the harsh realities faced by its residents.

In her pursuit to raise awareness about the genocide and the dire conditions of Palestinian men, women, and children, Bisan consistently puts her own life at risk. She serves as an inspiration to many who admire her bravery and determination to shed light on the plight of her people. Bisan Owda is a hero.

“I’m smiling because I am alive.” - Bisan Owda

Motaz Hilal Azaiza

Motaz Hilal Azaiza, 24, born and raised in Gaza's Deir al-Balah Refugee Camp, grew up in a poor environment and never had the intent of fame. He earned a degree in English Language and Literature from Al-Azhar University of Gaza in 2021. Unfortunately, the university that defined his academic trajectory has been reduced to ruins as a result of Israel's ongoing attack.

Motaz, like many other graduates in Gaza, encountered the hard reality of high unemployment rates, making it difficult to find motivation after finishing school. Despite the hurdles, Motaz, a Palestinian photographer, persevered in the face of hardship, showing the perseverance and determination of Gazans who endure adversity.

Motaz Azaiza's Instagram following has grown dramatically, from 25,000 on October 7th to over 14.5 million now. However, he underlines that these figures mean little to him; what genuinely matters to him are his family and the people of Gaza.

Motaz has become an important truth-teller, capturing the realities of Gaza through his photos. He is more than a photographer; he is a symbol of Palestinian resilience, dedicated to exposing Israel's approaching genocide. Motaz lost 15 family members in an Israeli airstrike on his home. When covering Israel's activities, Western media frequently asks Motaz about his affiliation instead on expressing remorse for him, his family, and the people of Palestine.

His photography underwent a significant shift, transitioning from capturing the beauty of Gaza to depicting the harsh realities of tortured families and broken homes. Motaz is driven by the people of Gaza and their courage. Motaz Azaiza is a strong force and hero for Palestine.

"I feel happy when people share and react to my pictures. The Palestinians are and have been oppressed for 75 years. The world must know our struggle. I love life and love to live it my way. I do not want Gaza and Palestine to be a place of eternal conflict.” - Motaz Aziaiza

Roshdi Sarraj

Roshdi Sarraj was a 31-year-old Palestinian photographer. Sarraj wasn't just a photographer; he was a soulful storyteller determined to infuse humanity into the Palestinian narrative. Amidst the haunting backdrop of suffering, death, and destruction, he sought to illuminate the everyday resilience and love that persisted among the people of Gaza.

In the chaos of conflicts, Sarraj stood unyielding in the field, his camera capturing not just devastation but the human side of it all. It became a compassionate observer as entire buildings crumbled, documenting the frantic escape of people in panic, and trembling alongside frightened children receiving urgent care from dedicated medics.

Yet, in the moments of peace, Sarraj's lens transitioned seamlessly to celebrate life. It lovingly documented the ordinary: the shared laughter, the simple joys, and the profound moments of wedding ceremonies in Gaza. Through his lens, Sarraj humanized the Palestinian experience, offering a poignant reminder that even in the face of adversity, life's beauty and resilience persist.

At 31, Sarraj was a happy father and husband. At 31, he was also among the Palestinians who brutally lost their lives. Sarraj left behind a legacy of compassion, humanity, and courage.

Belal Khaled

Belal Khaled, a calligraphy artist and photographer, redefined Arabic lettering by creating a unique, liberated style that communicates across languages. Through this approach, he transformed destruction and conflict into art, spreading messages of hope, love, and resilience. Khaled's large-scale murals, found globally in public spaces, advocate for humanity, unity, and tolerance. His impactful works in Belgium, Qatar, Sudan, Somalia, Zimbabwe, Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt promote cultural exchange and convey powerful messages of peace and unity.

While art has been a central part of his life, Belal's Instagram feed took a sombre turn. Originally a showcase of his artistic endeavours since 2014, it now serves as a documentation of the heart-wrenching events in Palestine, particularly the ongoing tragedy in Gaza. Through his lens, he humanizes the harsh reality faced by innocent civilians—children, women, and men alike—affected by the conflict.

In a recent post, Belal shared a deeply personal experience—the bombing of his own house. His father, Ibrahim Alostath, responded with, “Thank God for everything. This house is a sacrifice for Palestine. They will not undermine our resolve.”

Through his lens, he captures the streets, the injured, and the ongoing struggles, serving as a crucial voice in raising awareness about the difficult circumstances faced by the people of Gaza. In the face of adversity, he stands as a hero, using his platform to bring attention to the human stories behind the headlines.

Shireen Abu Akleh

Shireen Abu Akleh, a Palestinian-American journalist known for her extensive 25-year coverage of the Palestinian genocide with Al Jazeera, tragically lost her life on May 11, 2022. She was killed while reporting on an Israeli raid in the West Bank city of Jenin. Abu Akleh's dedicated journalism made her a prominent figure in the Arab world, and her untimely death.

Shireen Abu Akleh joined Al Jazeera in 1997, a news network covering the Palestinian genocide. Despite the tense and risky situations she reported, she remained composed, explaining events calmly. Her notable reporting during the intifada led to soldiers mimicking her over loudspeakers during the IDF's 2002 siege of Ramallah. In May 2022, while reporting on an IDF raid in Jenin, she, despite wearing press gear, was tragically shot in the head. Initially, Israeli officials claimed it was by a Palestinian gunman, but investigations supported Al Jazeera's assertion that an IDF soldier shot her.

Under international pressure, the IDF eventually admitted that one of its soldiers likely fired the fatal shot that killed Shireen Abu Akleh. However, despite this acknowledgment, no disciplinary actions were taken against the IDF.

Her Instagram page continues, managed by her family. They are advocating for Shireens justice after her tragic death, and showing their support for Palestine. Shireen Abu Akleh's unwavering dedication to truth and justice amid the Palestinian genocide has undeniably marked her as a hero.

Plestia Alaqad

Plestia Alaqad, 22, a courageous journalist living in Gaza, has taken to social media to document the upheaval and displacement experienced by her family and neighbours due to the bombings from Israel. In a recent post, she captions, "Day 3...Still alive..." as she vividly describes the challenges families face while seeking shelter in their apartments amid the ongoing bombings.

In one poignant moment captured on video, mid-sentence, a loud blast echoes in the background, causing a gust of wind to raise Alaqad's hair. She flinches slightly, and the sounds of shouting and car honking intensify in the background, offering a visceral glimpse into the daily struggles faced by Gazan residents.

Despite the constant fear and challenges, Plestia remains resolute in her mission to provide live updates on the situation in Gaza, serving as a brave eyewitness to the harsh realities on the ground. Her commitment goes beyond mere reporting; she has taken it upon herself to reveal the truth to the world, shedding light on the lived experiences of the people enduring these challenging times.

Plestia goes above and beyond reporting by actively assisting others around her and caring for the children of Gaza. Her determination and compassion shine through in the face of adversity, making her not only a dedicated journalist but also a sympathetic advocate for the well-being of her community. Plestia Alaqad is a forceful voice, ensuring that the world sees and understands the true impact of the unfolding events in Gaza through her lens and firsthand accounts.

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Throughout this genocide, Wizard Bisan, Motaz Azaiza, Roshdi Sarraj, Belal Khaled, Shireen Abu Akleh, Plestia Alaqad, and many others stand out as heroes in their unique ways. From daring journalism to reinventing art and capturing the terrible reality of Gaza, each one adds a different chapter to the larger story of human perseverance. Their inspirational stories are a moving reminder of the perseverance that overcomes hardships, transcending the news headlines. These people serve as motivation for the continuous fight for justice and peace because they are more than just historical witnesses—they are the epitome of bravery and optimism. They are heroes.

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SOURCES

• https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/plestia-alaqad-gaza-instagram-journalist-b2451976.html

• https://www.britannica.com/biography/Shireen-Abu-Akleh

• https://belalkhaled.com/

• https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2023/10/23/roshdi-sarraj-palestinian-journalist-and-fixer-killed-by-israeli-strike-in-gaza_6196847_4.html

• https://www.gqmiddleeast.com/men-of-the-year/motaz-azaiza-man-of-the-year

• https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2023/11/10/meet-bisan-wizard-the-young-filmmaker-from-palestine-taking-journalism-into-her-own-hands/