As of June 12th, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) counted 178 journalists who were killed in Palestine (176 Palestinian and 2 Israeli). In January of 2024, Judy Ginsburg, the Head of the Committee to Protect Journalists, told Al Jazeera that “Israel’s war on Gaza is more deadly to journalists than any previous war.”

Journalists worldwide are putting their lives in jeopardy while pursuing the public service of exposing fascism and holding power to account. And that’s especially so of the journalists brave enough to report the truth about the Israel-led, America-funded genocide in Gaza. Though Israel’s assault on Palestine has occurred for decades, their recent relentless military operation is a watershed moment in human history that will radicalize many and make the cruelty of Western imperialism impossible to ignore. So much of that impact is due to the front-line coverage of independent, on-the-ground journalists who’ve delivered the truth to our social feeds; we’re all indebted to their work.

Freedom Writers is a fundraiser event for journalists in Gaza, which is taking place on July 3rd at Mood Ring in Bushwick. Attendees can pay an optional $5 at the door, and donate throughout the night (additionally, 10% of the bar proceeds will be donated). We’ve chosen to donate 100% of our proceeds to International Media Support, a trusted organization that’s aligned with our goal to aid journalists in Gaza. Their official site shows that donations to IMS will cover building tents for women journalists, basic needs (food, clothing, blankets), safety equipment such as press vests, helmets, phones, and cameras, as well as psychosocial support.

"By partnering with Freedom Writers, IMS can provide crucial support directly to journalists in Gaza," said IMS's Head of Fundraising, Maria Gerey Bak. "With your donation we can keep independent journalists and media outlets in Gaza operating, and they can continue to have a voice."

Come support free press and enjoy DJ sets from freelance journalist and head of HEADS KNOW Arielle Lana, Pitchfork music critic Alphonse Pierre, Finals Blog co-founder Andrew Matson, and Politics of Dancing's Annabel Ross. The event will be hosted by Arielle Lana, as well as journalists Timmhotep Aku and Andre Gee. There will also be free tattoos, courtesy of Twonksi.

Artwork by Demone.