International Press Freedom Conference in Jerusalem (Photo Essay)

By BJLIfe/Sharon Altshul
Posted on 06/30/22

Jerusalem, Israel - June 30, 2022 - The Jerusalem Press Club and the Union of Journalists in Israel presented the 5th International Press Freedom Conference on June 30 at the Menachem Begin Heritage Center in Jerusalem, Israel. The conference titled "The Truth, Center Stage," with international speakers and panels of journalists and Israeli editors and was also offered online to foreign journalists who could not attend in person.

Greetings from Begin Center President Herzl Makov, and a video message from Israeli President Isaac Herzog emphasizing Israel's Jewish and democratic status opened the all-day programming. 

Israeli Journalist Oren Aharoni was presented the Uri Avneri Prize for Courageous Journalism 2022, followed by the Ethics and Boundaries of News Coverage report.

Israeli journalist Tal Shalev did a video interview with Hungarian journalist Szabolcs Panyi who was one of the journalists targeted and spied on in the Pegasus Affair. 

Also speaking on video was Dr. Paloma Mendoza-Cortez reporting on the situation in Mexico following the Pegasus Affair. 

Afternoon panels included 'Journalists under Surveillance' and one which included Editors-in-chief of Israeli news publications moderated by Anat Saragusti.

Executive Editor US Associated Press Julie Pace was a featured speaker in the afternoon.

Dan Meridor, Chairman of Advisory Board, Jerusalem Press Club gave closing remarks.

Serving the Jerusalem Press Club as Director-General is Uri Dromi who was a spokesperson in previous Israeli governments during the time of Rabin and Peres.