Israel: Women Press Freedom Condemns Violent Harassment of Lara Escudero in Mea Shearim
Ultra-Orthodox community members throw bottles and garbage, spit on the journalist, and call her and colleagues “impure”
Location: Israel, Jerusalem
Date: July 1, 2024
Women Press Freedom vehemently condemns the appalling harassment and violent threats faced by Lara Escudero and her colleagues while covering a gathering in the Mea Shearim neighborhood of Jerusalem. This incident underscores a disturbing trend of gender-based hostility and threats against journalists, particularly women, in the field. Despite their efforts to respect the community's dress codes, the journalists were subjected to degrading accusations and insults. Being called "impure" and threatened with death reflects a deeply ingrained intolerance and extremism that is harmful not only to journalists but to the principles of a free and open society. Women Press Freedom calls on local authorities to take immediate action to ensure the safety and protection of journalists, particularly women, who are often more vulnerable to such attacks. We urge the Israeli government to investigate this incident thoroughly and hold those responsible accountable.
A group of journalists, including Spanish correspondent Lara Escudero with Noticias Cuatro, faced a hostile reception while covering a gathering of ultra-Orthodox Jews in the Mea Shearim neighborhood of Jerusalem on July 1, 2024.
According to firsthand accounts, the journalists were met with immediate resistance upon arrival. Women reporters, in particular, were targeted with threats and aggressive behavior. "This is no place for women," some of the men reportedly said. "If you don't leave, we will throw stones at your heads."
Despite adhering to the community's dress codes, the journalists were accused of being "impure." They faced a barrage of insults, were spat upon, and threatened with death. The situation escalated as the reporters attempted to continue their work respectfully.
The confrontation reached its peak when the crowd began throwing objects at the journalists. Bottles and garbage bags were hurled in their direction. Women from the community, shouting from their windows, joined in the verbal abuse, demanding that the reporters leave the area and calling them impure.
Escudero describes the experience as one of the most humiliating moments of her career. "It's not just about freedom of the press, but how they see and treat women who don't belong to their community," says Escudero. "It's lamentable, vomitive. We all felt the extremism and intolerance in our flesh."
Women Press Freedom stands in solidarity with Lara Escudero and all journalists who courageously continue to report in the face of hostility and danger. Women Press Freedom calls on local authorities to investigate this incident thoroughly and hold those responsible accountable. Furthermore, we urge community leaders to foster an environment of tolerance and respect for all individuals, regardless of gender or profession. Freedom of the press is a fundamental right that must be upheld and protected. The targeting of women journalists not only threatens this freedom but also perpetuates a cycle of discrimination and violence against women.
Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
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