'Question everything': What Haaretz journalists saw on October 7 and after
Oct 20, 2024
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Bar Peleg, a brave journalist who reported from southern Israel during the October 7 attack, shares his harrowing experiences under fire. Sheren Falah Saab brings attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, emphasizing the shared suffering of families on both sides of the conflict. Linda Dayan discusses the plight of hostages and their families, revealing the emotional toll on journalists grappling with grief and duty. Together, they reflect on the vital role of journalism in humanizing stories and fostering empathy amid chaos.
Haaretz journalists shared deeply personal experiences of fear and near-misses while covering the Hamas attack on October 7.
They emphasized the importance of highlighting human narratives to foster empathy between Israelis and Palestinians amidst ongoing conflict.
Deep dives
Impact of October 7th Attack
The October 7th attack by Hamas marked a pivotal moment in the lives of Israelis, forever altering the conflict's landscape. Journalists discussed their harrowing experiences, revealing near-misses with gunfire and shocking scenes of violence that would leave a lasting impression on the nation. The day was filled with confusion and fear, as individuals began to understand the enormity of the events unfolding around them, grappling with the juxtaposition of their personal and professional obligations. This chaotic day serves as a reminder of how severe conflict can disrupt not just communities, but also the lives of those reporting on such heartbreaking narratives.
The Journalistic Commitment to Humanity
In the wake of the conflict, the journalists emphasized their dedication to showcasing the human aspects of war, striving to provide voices to the often overlooked narratives of both Israelis and Palestinians. By focusing on the individuals affected by the violence, they sought to bridge the divide and foster empathy between conflicting sides. This commitment entails depicting the suffering of both communities, whether it be the families left behind in the aftermath of abduction or those caught in the devastating bombings of Gaza. The humanitarian plight of each side is not just a statistic but a story, and the need to highlight these voices is critical to understanding the broader consequences of the conflict.
Challenges in Reporting During Conflict
Journalists shared their struggles in reporting amidst escalating violence, outlining the emotional toll of covering traumatic events while maintaining professional detachment. They experienced a significant internal conflict: the need to document the news while fearing for their safety and that of their loved ones. The chaos of October 7 led the reporters to confront their own vulnerabilities, recognizing that they were not immune to the tragedy they were covering. These experiences highlighted the pressures faced by journalists who are often expected to remain objective while being drawn into the very narratives they report.
Search for Hope Amidst Despair
Despite the grim realities of the ongoing conflict, the journalists conveyed a sense of resilience and hope through connections formed in unimaginable circumstances. They referenced initiatives aimed at fostering dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians, emphasizing the importance of empathy in reshaping narratives. The discussions highlighted that amidst the chaos, opportunities for solidarity and understanding emerge, suggesting that the potential for peace remains. The ongoing struggle for human rights and recognition of shared humanity continues to inspire journalists and activists alike to keep pushing for a better future.
No one in Israel will ever forget where they were at 6:29 A.M. on Saturday October 7, when Hamas attacked Israel. For Haaretz journalists, it was a day that the personal and professional collided, whether they were trying to survive the assault on their own home, reporting from the south under a hail of bullets, editing news about massacres at their parents' kibbutz, filing amid ceaseless rocket fire or contacting friends in Gaza, knowing the coming war would destroy the fabric of their lives.
Journalists are often resistant to 'pull back the curtain' to talk about how, rather than what, they report. In this podcast, three Haaretz journalists -Bar Peleg, Sheren Falah Saab and Linda Dayan - interviewed by Haaretz English editor-in-chief Esther Solomon, give a unique look into their work on October 7 and since, and what motivates them after more than a year of savage and expanding conflict.