Al Jazeera employee advocates for Gaza, condemns Israel at Emmy Awards
Yara Elmjouie, an Iranian-American Al Jazeera show host, used his Emmy Awards acceptance speech, during the 50th Annual Daytime Emmy Creative Arts & Lifestyle, to express solidarity with the people of Gaza and condemn Israel for its actions in the conflict.
Elmjouie, who won the Emmy in the Outstanding Lifestyle Program category for the show ‘Eat This With Yara,’ took the opportunity to honor his colleagues covering the tragedy in Gaza, Mehr news agency reported.
“I cannot receive this award today without addressing the unfolding tragedy in Gaza and remembering my Al Jazeera colleagues who are risking their lives to cover it,” Elmjouie said.
He highlighted the recent loss of cameraman Samer AbuDaqa, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Khan Younis. Another colleague, Wael al-Dahdouh, was wounded, losing his wife and children in a separate Israeli airstrike.
Al Jazeera has accused Israel of deliberately targeting journalists in the war zone, vowing to urgently refer AbuDaqa’s death to the International Criminal Court. Elmjouie urged continued sharing of stories from those without access to power.
The Committee to Protect Journalists has confirmed that, since the start of the conflict, 64 journalists have been killed, with 57 of them being Palestinian.
In a powerful moment during the speech, executive producer Shadi Rahimi held a sign reading “killing journalists is a war crime,” emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
Elmjouie’s speech highlighted the human causalities of the conflict, with a plea for international attention and condemnation of Israel’s actions.
The event concluded with the audience showing support through applause and gestures of solidarity.