Feb 26 โ€ข 14:38 UTC ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฑ Israel Haaretz

I Came to Photograph Right-Wing Activists Who Harassed Lucy Aharish. In Response, They Threw Stones at Me

A photographer details their experience of being harassed by right-wing activists while covering a protest outside journalist Lucy Aharish's home.

In a recent article, a photographer describes a tense situation encountered while documenting a protest against journalist Lucy Aharish. Traditionally working in sports photography, the journalist was called upon to cover an event that felt reminiscent of the aggressive energy often found at sports arenas, yet with a far darker context. As they approached the scene, they were met with hostile shouts and jeers from the gathering right-wing activists, who aimed to intimidate them for documenting the protest.

Despite the aggression directed at them, including verbal insults and the physical threat of stones being thrown, the photographer attempted to maintain their commitment to capturing the truth of the event. Drawing on their experience in sports photography, they knew not to escalate the confrontation, opting instead to change their shooting angles to gather the visual story without becoming part of the conflict. However, the smaller and more confined space of the protest made it difficult to retreat safely, increasing the photographer's discomfort and highlighting the risks faced by journalists.

Ultimately, the photographer returned to their base, reflecting on the personal dangers that accompany their work. This encounter serves as a stark reminder of the volatile intersection of media coverage, public dissent, and the personal stakes involved in reporting on sensitive topics, particularly in polarized environments like that surrounding Aharish. The incident underscores the hostility journalists often face when covering contentious situations, revealing the ongoing tensions within Israeli society.

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