The committee of the NUJ London digital media branch condemns the Islamophobic attacks on our fellow journalist Mariam Elsayeh Ibrahim, who spoke to our branch meeting on 14 October. Since she was written about on a pro-Israeli propaganda site, she has been targeted by Zionists and the far right. She has been falsely accused of extremism simply because she has been vocal against Israel’s genocidal attack on Gaza.
Our branch is very aware of the impact of the attack on Gaza on journalists in the territory, but we should also be aware of the impact on journalists at home.
The NUJ has long defended its members against illegitimate attacks that go far beyond libel. From RedWatch to the threats of armed groups in Northern Ireland, attacks on journalists online too often translate into violence on the ground.
While most critics of Israeli violence are accused of antisemitism, Mariam has been accused of extremism simply because she is visibly a Muslim woman. This is Islamophobia and is unacceptable. This branch stands with all of its Muslim members in the face of Islamophobic attacks.