“It’s Bisan From Gaza” Wins Emmy: Despite Advocacy Group's Opposition, Another Triumph for Palestinian Journalism

Palestinian journalist Bisan Owda and Al Jazeera’s AJ+ have won an Emmy for their documentary, “It’s Bisan From Gaza – and I’m Still Alive”, in the category of Outstanding Hard News Feature Story. 

The short film documents the early days of Israel’s war on Gaza and the devastating impact on civilians in the besieged enclave. Owda, who has been reporting from Gaza since Israel launched its assault last October, used her iPhone to chronicle the experience of her family fleeing bombardment in Gaza City. 

The award came despite opposition from ‘The Creative Community for Peace’, a pro-Israel advocacy group composed of entertainment industry leaders. This non-profit organization issued an open letter urging the withdrawal of Owda’s nomination. 

Signed by celebrities like Debra Messing and Selma Blair, the letter argued that Owda’s alleged past ties to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a group designated as a terrorist organization in the U.S., justified the rescission of her nomination. 

The letter faced significant backlash, with critics viewing it as an attempt to stifle essential journalistic reporting from Gaza. Five days before Owda’s Emmy win, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences announced it would not revoke her nomination, citing the inability to verify claims of her involvement with the PFLP. 

Adam Sharp, president and CEO of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS), defended the nomination. He stated that the documentary was reviewed by two independent panels, including senior editorial leadership from U.S. broadcast news networks, and that NATAS had found no evidence of Owda’s active involvement with the PFLP. 

Sharp added, “The content submitted for award consideration was consistent with competition rules and NATAS policies.” He also noted that Owda’s work had previously been recognized by other prestigious awards such as the Peabody and Edward R. Murrow Awards. 

Later, the Creative Community for Peace condemned the win: “The NATAS decision to honor Owda effectively celebrates PFLP propaganda and condones terrorism." 

In his acceptance speech, AJ+ Senior Executive Producer John Lawrence said, "This award is a testament to one woman, only with an iPhone, who survived almost a year of bombardment. Over 100 Palestinian journalists have been killed in Gaza….. Journalism is not a crime." 

Owda is a filmmaker and activist widely recognized on Instagram and TikTok, where she shares her experiences during the ongoing war in Gaza. Her frequent use of the phrase “I’m Still Alive” has become a signature line in the videos she posts on social media. 

“Since October 7, the Israeli army has killed over 130 journalists in the Palestinian enclave, at least 32 of whom were murdered while working,” Reporters Without Borders said in a statement. 

Reporters Without Borders (RSF),  is an international non-governmental organization founded in 1985 and headquartered in Paris. Its primary mission is to advocate for press freedom and protect journalists worldwide, particularly those who face imprisonment, persecution, or violence due to their work. 

RSF has launched a global awareness campaign, organizing protests in ten countries, including Germany, Brazil, and the United States. The initiative seeks to highlight the growing risks journalists face in Gaza and the wider impact on media coverage in conflict areas. 

At the rate journalists are being killed in #Gaza, there will soon be no one left to keep you informed.", said, RSF. 

Palestinian journalists have received widespread recognition for their courageous and relentless reporting during the ongoing Gaza conflict. Earlier this year, two major international honors—the 2024 World Press Freedom Hero Award and the UNESCO Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize—were collectively awarded to all Palestinian journalists covering the war. 

The World Press Freedom Hero Award was a unique recognition, marking the first time it was awarded to a group rather than individuals. It underscored the exceptional bravery and resilience of Palestinian journalists working under life-threatening conditions. 

Among those honored posthumously were Wael Dahdouh, Al Jazeera's bureau chief in Gaza, and Bilal Jadallah, a prominent figure in Palestinian journalism and former director of Press House Palestine. 

Both were killed in Israeli airstrikes in October and November 2023, respectively. Dahdouh, who suffered the tragic loss of his wife and children in an airstrike, continued to report on the conflict despite his personal grief, becoming a powerful symbol of journalistic dedication. Jadallah, known as the "father figure" of Gaza's journalism community, was a tireless advocate for press freedom until his death. 

Similarly, the UNESCO Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize, awarded on May 2, 2024, further acknowledged the perils faced by journalists in Gaza. The award, accepted by Nasser Abu Baker, president of the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate, was a tribute to the sacrifice of over 100 journalists who have died since the conflict began, most of them Palestinian. 

Individual Palestinian journalists have made vital contributions in documenting the ongoing genocide in Gaza, at the hands of Israeli forces. 

Photojournalist Motaz Azaiza, internationally recognized for his work during the conflict, was named Man of the Year by GQ Middle East and featured in Time's list of influential people.

Additionally, Plestia Alaqad’s debut book, The Eyes of Gaza, was recently published by Pan Macmillan after winning a competitive auction for publishing rights.

Over 355 days, the conflict has resulted in 41,534 deaths, 96,092 wounded, and 11,000 people missing. These brave journalists have been on the front lines, ensuring the world sees the full scale of the devastation and human sufferings, experienced by the Palestinian population.