Young Journalist of the Year Award Goes to Guardian Correspondent Malak A Tantesh
The UK-based Society of Editors has named 20-year-old Malak A Tantesh, a former Gaza correspondent for The Guardian, as Young Journalist of the Year in the national press category. This prestigious award recognizes exceptional talent and bravery displayed by journalists working under extreme conditions.
Tantesh's reporting from Gaza over an 18-month period showcased her immense skill and fearlessness in the face of adversity. She witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of war on civilians, including the loss of close relatives and the destruction of homes and orchards. Her writing was deeply personal, as she described feeling "my memories are crushed and buried" after returning to her birthplace.
The young journalist's work also highlighted the alarming risks faced by journalists in Gaza, with at least 248 killed since September, according to the UN. Repeated allegations have been made that Israel targeted journalists, although this has been denied.
Tantesh received the award on Wednesday, crediting her parents for instilling in her the courage and resilience required to excel as a journalist. She also expressed gratitude to her sister, Enas, who worked alongside her as a photographer, and her cousin Seham, who is now taking over as correspondent.
The Guardian's editor-in-chief, Katharine Viner, praised Tantesh's outstanding reporting, describing it as "brave, meticulous, and moving" under conditions that were truly awful. The award is a testament to Tantesh's promising journalistic career ahead.
The UK-based Society of Editors has named 20-year-old Malak A Tantesh, a former Gaza correspondent for The Guardian, as Young Journalist of the Year in the national press category. This prestigious award recognizes exceptional talent and bravery displayed by journalists working under extreme conditions.
Tantesh's reporting from Gaza over an 18-month period showcased her immense skill and fearlessness in the face of adversity. She witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of war on civilians, including the loss of close relatives and the destruction of homes and orchards. Her writing was deeply personal, as she described feeling "my memories are crushed and buried" after returning to her birthplace.
The young journalist's work also highlighted the alarming risks faced by journalists in Gaza, with at least 248 killed since September, according to the UN. Repeated allegations have been made that Israel targeted journalists, although this has been denied.
Tantesh received the award on Wednesday, crediting her parents for instilling in her the courage and resilience required to excel as a journalist. She also expressed gratitude to her sister, Enas, who worked alongside her as a photographer, and her cousin Seham, who is now taking over as correspondent.
The Guardian's editor-in-chief, Katharine Viner, praised Tantesh's outstanding reporting, describing it as "brave, meticulous, and moving" under conditions that were truly awful. The award is a testament to Tantesh's promising journalistic career ahead.
, she's gotta be the YJOTY right? I mean, 20 and already got more guts than most people have in their whole lives 
. Reporting from Gaza for like 18 months? That's some serious dedication (and masochism 
). I'm pretty sure her parents must've been all "yaaas, daughter, go crush it" when she told them what she was doing 
.
. Israel denying targeting journalists, but we know that's just a fancy way of saying "we're not sorry" 
.
, and I'm so stoked she got this award 
. She's proof that journalism isn't all champagne toasts and sunset views (although, let's be real, those are great too 
).
Malak A Tantesh is seriously inspiring! I mean, 20 years old and she's already been through so much. Reporting from Gaza sounds like a nightmare come true, but she just keeps going. 
Her writing about the impact of war on civilians is heart-wrenching, it makes me want to do more to help. I'm glad The Guardian recognized her bravery and skill with this award. It's not just about her talent though, her parents and sister must be so proud too 
. We need more young journalists like Malak who aren't afraid to speak truth to power and show the world what's really going on. 
20 yrs old girl wins this award for bravely reporting from war zones but what about all the other journalist losses? like, shouldn't we be focusing on why ppl r getting killed over there instead of just acknowledging talent 
the young journalist has been through so much already 
her reporting on the war in Gaza is honestly heart breaking 
at least she got the award for being brave and doing great work 
but i feel like there should be more recognition for journalists who actually face real danger every day 
Malak A Tantesh is total rockstar! 
20 years old and already making waves in journalism world 
. Her work is like a punch to the gut, it's that powerful 