Page 18 - annual report 2023
P. 18
Story Highlights and Impact 2023
For Arabs in A sensitive investigation by Shomrim journalist Fadi Amun
Israel, Coming looked at the distressing situation faced by members
Out is a Matter of the LGBTQ community from the Arab community in Israel.
of Life or Death The article included interviews with gay Arabs, some of whom
were willing to be identified and others who asked to remain
Fadi Amun anonymous; they described the difficulties and problems
that Arab members of the LGBTQ community typically face –
Arwa Adam, Project Director including credible and tangible threats to their lives. The article
at the Beit el-Meem project. was also published on the Mako website.
A home for all gender and sexual Tragically, the day after the article was published, 18-year-
identities in Arab society. old Sarit Ahmed Shakour was murdered. Subsequently, an
Photo by: Shlomi Yosef indictment was filed against her brother, who is suspected
of having commissioned the murder due to Sarit’s sexual
orientation. The case highlighted the importance of Fadi’s
investigation and how vital it is to get the plight of gay Arabs in
Israel onto the public agenda.
Impact: Fadi’s reporting
was covered widely by
the Israeli media and
he was asked to give
interviews to the Kan
Culture radio station,
as well as podcasts
published by Channel 12
News, Kan 11 and Ynet.
The Knesset’s Special
Committee on Young
Israelis held an
emergency session
to discuss the LGBTQ
community in Arab society. Fadi was asked to attend the
discussion, to present the findings of his investigation, and
to represent all those who could not attend in person due to
fear for their personal safety and in order not to reveal their
identities.
S h o m r i m | 18 | A n n u a l R e p o r t
