NUJ Vigil
Take Time to Remember and Protest
Saturday 21st December 2024
Venue: Wolfe Tone Statue, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2
Time : Assemble 12.45, opposite Shelbourne Hotel
Formal proceedings start at 1pm sharp*
Friends,
As we put the finishing touches to Christmas preparations at the weekend, the NUJ is urging Irish members to take time to remember journalistic colleagues killed and injured as a result of the horrific Hammas attack on Southern Israel on 7th October 2023 and the disproportionate and unacceptable response of Israel.
The union’s Irish Executive Council is hosting a vigil at St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2 at 1pm next Saturday, 21st December.
Amid the seasonal hustle and bustle we will extend solidarity to our sister union in Palestine, remember all journalists killed in the conflict and protest the targeting of journalists by the Israeli government. We will remember all who have died in a reading of a list of the dead.
Members living outside Dublin may consider organising local events.
The vigil is being held to provide members with an opportunity to specifically highlight attacks on journalists. Under international law journalists are entitled to the same rights as all civilians. Many NUJ members have taken part in other demonstrations in a private capacity. This is the third vigil hosted in Dublin to highlight attacks on journalists.
Since Hamas’ horrific attack on southern Israel on 7th October 2023, and the subsequent invasion, more than 33,000 Palestinians have been killed. This includes at least 151 journalists and media workers, a mortality rate of over ten per cent – dramatically higher than any other occupational group.
Since the commencement of the current conflict the NUJ has worked closed with the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate and the International Federation of Journalists. NUJ members have been the most consistent and significant contributor to the IFJ Safety Fund.
The IFJ’s International Safety Fund has paid for medical equipment, battery packs, food, fuel, clothing and tents for Gaza’s journalists. Their needs grow by the day, and more help is desperately required.
Donations may be made at the following link: https://donorbox.org/donation-to-the-ifj-safety-fund
Details of those killed may be found here: https://www.ifj.org/media-centre/news/detail/category/press-releases/article/104-journalists-killed-this-year-according-to-the-ifj
Please feel free to invite family and friends. The vigil will conclude not later than 2pm.
Séamus Dooley
Irish Secretary
*Logistics: Lunchtime Saturday will be busy. Allow plenty of time to get to St Stephen’s Green. Consider using the Luas. Nearest stops: Dawson and St Stephen’s Green.
Please bring a candle. No posters please.
