Advertisement MissioICN Would you like to advertise on ICN? Click to learn more.

London: Memorial service for Shireen Abu Akleh

  • Jo Siedlecka

London's church for journalists, St Brides near Fleet Street, was the setting for a packed Service of Thanksgiving for the Life and Work of Shireen Abu Akleh, the Catholic TV reporter shot dead by Israeli forces on 11 May while on a reporting assignment in the occupied West Bank.

Rector Rev Canon Dr Alison Joyce welcomed the many friends and fellow journalists who came to pay tribute to Shereen last Tuesday. She told them: "We are here for you all. A beautiful human being has been killed. We share your loss." The service began with the choir leading the hymn 'Be Thou my Vision'. Journalist Penelope Quinton gave the first reading from St Paul 1 Corinthians 13 on the gift of love. The choir, conducted by Robert Jones, then sang Edward Elgar's 'They are at rest'.

The first address was given via video link by Shireen's niece Lina Abu Akleh. She said: "Shireen wasn't just a journalist she was my aunt. The bullet that killed her changed our lives forever." Lina said her aunt always campaigned for justice and she hoped she would receive justice now.

Palestinian musician Joseph Tawadros then performed his new composition entitled 'Heal' on the Oud.

Ali al-Samoudi, who was shot with Shireen during the same incident, gave an emotional address by video link. Describing his colleague as a "beacon of hope" he said she was always ready to help those in need. "A lady of light."

A friend, Dr Nadir Nasser Najjab, said Shireen was killed "because she told the truth." After Shireen's death her home was raided and her funeral was attacked, she said. But when Israeli forces try to push down the funeral cortege, they held her body up high over their heads. Even in her death, Shireen continued to tell the story of what is happening to the Palestinian people, she said.

After the choir sang John Taverner's 'Song For Athene' there was a time of silence during which a candle was lit and the congregation was invited to remember the 46 journalists who have been killed covering the Israel-Palestine conflict. Their names were listed in the service booklet.

Palestinian singer Reem Kelani accompanied by Bruno Heinen then gave a powerful performance of a song she has composed to words by the Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish.

Speaking after the service, Palestinian Ambassador to the UK Husam Zomlot said: "Today was a declaration by everyone that the killing of Shireen was the killing of every single human being who believes in freedom of speech and freedom . For us it is a very important sign that her case will not fade away until justice is done."

Watch two video clips from the service here:

Al Jazeera: www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_dHGu_lK88
Middle East Eye: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tchr-91GMDw&t=129s.

Adverts

Congregation of Jesus

We offer publicity space for Catholic groups/organisations. See our advertising page if you would like more information.

We Need Your Support

ICN aims to provide speedy and accurate news coverage of all subjects of interest to Catholics and the wider Christian community. As our audience increases - so do our costs. We need your help to continue this work.

You can support our journalism by advertising with us or donating to ICN.

Mobile Menu Toggle Icon