(Note: Reuters Editor-in-Chief David Schlesinger sent this note to all Reuters journalists today after cameraman Fadel Shana was killed along with two civilians in the Gaza Strip. Full story here)
I’m very sorry to report that 23-year-old Reuters cameraman Fadel Shana was killed on Wednesday in what appeared to be an Israeli air strike in the Gaza Strip.
Our hearts obviously go out to his family, as we mourn another loss in our journalistic family. Our thoughts are with his colleagues in Israel and in Gaza who must go on rep
orting even when surrounded by tragedy.
I’ve called for an immediate and complete investigation into the incident. We know, of course, that journalism is a dangerous business. We know, of course, that we rush into danger when others rush away. We know, of course, that accidents happen.
But I also believe sincerely and absolutely that all of us — news organizations, governments and the military — have an obligation to make reporting safer and to take the utmost care when professional journalists are doing 
their jobs.
It is, of course, striking that this tragedy occurred on the last day for Reuters as it has been and the day before Thomson Reuters begins as a news and information power in the world. I can but reflect on our more than a century and a half of bravery and sacrifice in the service of the news, and to vow that Reuters news in the new company will forge a new tradition, building on the old, that we can all be incredibly proud of.
Trackback
28 comments so far
Previous | 2 | 1 | Next
another talented young life lost needlessly. when will it all end?
- Posted by m davis[...] Reuters cameraman killed in Gaza REUTERS Report [...]
- Posted by Reuters cameraman killed by Israeli missile - อิสราเอล ยิงจรวดถล่มผู้บริสุทธิ์ ตากล้องตายคาที่ ขณะทำงาน « Accom ThailandMy heartfelt condolences to Mr. Shana’s family, friends and colleagues. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Posted by Shamsul Ismin Bin TuminWell put David Schelsinger! Reuters journalist–whether from TV, pix or print–are the finest I have had the pleasure to work with. Sadly, they have had to visit the death or injury of colleagues all too often whether in the Gaza strip or elsewhere, like Sierra Leone. But Reuters journalists KNOW Reuters Editorial Management BELIEVES “When things are at their worst, we must be at our best” in handling such situations. Your note was an excellent demonstration of that–an honest statement to colleagues who care about each other, instead of an opportunity to express a particular position or bent. I hope you will NEVER have to write such a note again, but if you do, I hope you will handle it with the same sincerity and class. Simply put, it was “spot on!”
My condolences to ALL of Editorial (Fadel Shana’s work family)on its loss as well as his family and friends outside Reuters. Best of luck as Thomson Reuters. CRF
- Posted by Cherie ForsterNews cameramen are a catalyst for violence. I just don’t know how they can stand there and watch people kill each other.
- Posted by William FowlerFirst of all, my condolences.
- Posted by suarezBut I don´t think that making diferences between governaments and military is fair enough for this last ones. the real thing is that military forces just obey whar our politicians order.
By the way, it is not a matter of working in a dangerous place, it is a matter of beeing un a dangeorus place with no difference wether you are working or just living in.
Thanks for the news you bring to us. I hope in the future your job will be safer. RIP
- Posted by Pabloim gonna miss you fadel…
- Posted by Ghaith Rishehthat’s how israel treat the journalist and respect them..
This is very sad…..this happens daily in Gaza by IDF and unless it is a public figurs, the world doe not pay enough attention….Let us pray for his family and for the just peace in the Holy Land
- Posted by Abou AbedMy deepest condolences to Mr. Shana’s family, friends and colleagues.
- Posted by lennybruceNews such as this always makes one every sad. I think many people do not appreciate the hard work and risks journalists take. Journalisms suffers from an ‘image problem.’
However the killing of Fadel Shana shows the risks brave journalists have and continue to take in order to bring the truth to the world.
May his soul rest in peace and peace to his family and everyone grieved.
- Posted by CheshmgirWhat a sad foot note in the History of Reuters on its last day as an independent firm! As a resident of the Middle East and former Reuter Staffer, my condolences go out to Fadel’s family.
- Posted by Mike StokesRest in peace, Fadel
- Posted by DarioCondolences to your family, friends and collegues
Heartbreaking news - my thoughts are with his family and fellow Reuters staff tonight.
- Posted by Johan AbrahamssonMy heartfelt condolences to his family, and Reuter’s Gaza bureau. Thoughts and prayers are with you
- Posted by Nu'man El-BakriAs a former Reuters correspondent in Latin America, a very dangerous working place for reporters dodging bullets and drug lords, I am very sad to hear that another journalist has been killed.
- Posted by Ricardo Ritterfadel reaaly u will stay in our herts.sorry to shanna`afamily
- Posted by roula sheikhReporters such as Fadel are so brave, yet so vulnerable. My heart goes out to his family, and the Reuters family.
- Posted by Jon RobertsThis is really sad.
RIP
- Posted by Ajay Kamalakaransorry to hear that. so sad.
- Posted by Daniel Woolfolk