Press under fire: "Israel Hayom" staff members honored for war coverage
The Press and Media Council awarded certificates of appreciation to dozens of journalists, photographers, and news personnel for their coverage of the war. Among the winners are military correspondent Lilach Shoval, foreign news editor Dudi Kogan, Tel Aviv and Shfela correspondent Avi Cohen, investigative reporter Itay Ilanai, and photographer Oren Ben Hakoon.
At a festive ceremony held on Wednesday at Beit Ariela in Tel Aviv, the Press and Media Council of Israel awarded certificates of appreciation to journalists and media personnel from all news outlets in Israel. The recognition was granted for their exceptional work, courage, and professional dedication since the morning of October 7 and during the "Iron Swords" war.
The winners were selected based on recommendations from media outlets and Israel Prize laureates for journalism. Among them are staff members from "Israel Hayom": military correspondent Lilach Shoval, foreign news editor Dudi Kogan, Tel Aviv and Shfela correspondent Avi Cohen, investigative reporter Itay Ilanai, and photographer Oren Ben Hakoon.
The President of the Press Council, retired Deputy President of the Supreme Court Professor Hanan Melcer, stated:
"Since the morning of October 7, 2023, the State of Israel has been in one of the most challenging, complex, and difficult periods in its history. In this state of affairs, the free press is not just a bystander; it is a pillar that, alongside the security forces, ensures our freedom and our resilience. Since the outbreak of the war, journalists, photographers, editors, and presenters have acted, sometimes while risking their lives, and always out of a supreme commitment to presenting reality as it is and fulfilling the public's right to know. Your work is a badge of honor for the Israeli media. We will continue to stand together on guard and defend with determination the freedom of the press and media in Israel, while supporting you in your essential work."
Aryeh Golan (Kan Reshet Bet) spoke on behalf of the winners:
"The test we are examined by every day is whether we are doing the best job we could possibly do. Did we ask the toughest questions, were the reports we brought the most accurate factually, and were the opinions we expressed, separate from the news, well-reasoned and not cheap propaganda? This is our job, and no media law will stop us from doing it. I very much hope that the Shin Bet, led by Zini, will do everything to locate those who attacked the Haaretz newspaper and Channel 12 News, because a free press is a cornerstone of a free democracy."
