Please describe what your organisation normally does, and how you have had to prioritise your work in Gaza and on the West Bank since October 2023.
Since October 2023, our organisation has had to significantly reprioritise our work in Gaza and the West Bank due to the escalating challenges on the ground. In Gaza, we have placed a strong focus on supporting freelance journalists.
We have also engaged freelancers through the Peace Building Lab project funded by Lazismu, where we produced a campaign that included filming videos from Gaza, documenting the daily life and challenges.
In addition to financial support, we have provided psychological support to our workers from Gaza, recognising that mental health is a crucial aspect of maintaining their ability to continue their work amidst the significant pressures they endure.
An important work-related lesson learned over the past 12 months is the critical importance of ensuring both sustainability and adaptability in our operations. We have recognised the need to secure operational expenses to sustain our work while also developing programmes that can adapt to ongoing political changes. Additionally, the safety and wellbeing of our employees, particularly their physical and health security, has emerged as a top priority. These elements are essential to ensuring the effectiveness and continuity of our mission.
Going forward, what do you see as your most important priority?
Going forward, our most important priority will be ensuring the sustainability of our work. This includes securing the necessary operational expenses to maintain our activities and providing a safe and secure environment for our employees. Guaranteeing their financial and physical wellbeing is essential to the long-term success and continuity of our organisation.
What is one thing you wish the world knew about your life and work since October 2023?
One thing we wish the world knew about our work at the Witness Centre, particularly through our platforms “From the Camp” and “Kashif,” since October 2023, is the immense effort it has taken to continue delivering accurate and verified information under increasingly difficult circumstances. Despite the political instability and the personal risks faced by our team, especially those in Gaza, we’ve remained committed to providing fact-checked content and amplifying the voices of refugees.
We’ve also focused on supporting our staff, ensuring their safety and mental health, while maintaining the sustainability of our operations in the face of constant uncertainty.
