Mohammed R. Mhawish Receives 2025 Neal Conan Prize for Journalism Excellence
On November 22, 2025, a significant moment in journalism occurred at a ceremony in New York City where Mohammed R. Mhawish was awarded the prestigious 2025 Neal Conan Prize for Excellence in Journalism. The award, which comes with a $50,000 honorarium, recognizes Mhawish's remarkable commitment to reporting on civilian life amidst the turmoil of the Gaza war and the chilling dangers faced by journalists in the region.
Mhawish, a Gaza-based journalist, is celebrated for his coverage that highlights the stark realities faced by civilians caught in conflict. Over the past few years, the Gaza conflict has claimed the lives of over 249 journalists, making it one of the deadliest events for reporters in modern history. Mhawish's experiences—including surviving a direct attack on his home—underscore the perilous and often deadly nature of reporting from a war zone.
Notably, his work has been featured in prominent publications such as The New Yorker, The New York Times, and This American Life. His reporting is distinguished not only by its precision but also by its deep empathy, illuminating the stories of those affected by the conflict in a way that resonates with audiences worldwide. Mhawish shared his harrowing tale of being trapped under rubble after an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) strike destroyed the building where he lived, emphasizing the risks that journalists take to tell the truth.
During the award ceremony, Mhawish participated in a panel discussion with previous award winners Jane Ferguson and Hind Hassan, moderated by Bruce Shapiro of The Global Center for Journalism and Trauma. The conversation centered around the increasingly dangerous situation for journalists in conflict zones, particularly in Gaza. Mhawish reflected on the importance of his role in documenting his community's experiences, stating, "Journalism in Gaza was never a career choice for me. It became a lifeline, a way to keep my community from being erased, a way to say we were here. This happened, so remember us."
Mhawish's acceptance speech conveyed a poignant message about the power of journalism, highlighting the ongoing debates surrounding the existence and safety of Palestinian journalists. Other panelists echoed his sentiments, noting the dehumanization and targeting of those who seek to report the truth in such perilous environments. Hind Hassan remarked, "Palestinian journalists have been dehumanized, dismissed, and targeted. They continue to tell the truth even as the world debates their existence, their professionalism, and their right to safety."
Jane Ferguson added her observations from two decades of reporting on global conflicts, stating, "The devastation in Gaza today is unlike anything I have witnessed. It is unprecedented in its scope, its civilian toll, and its collapse of basic protections for journalists and ordinary families alike."
The Neal Conan Prize was established in the wake of a troubling trend of decreased support for serious journalism amidst an increase in commercially driven news content. This award, now in its third year, aims to bolster rigorous, human-centered journalism at a time when the industry faces immense challenges.
As Mohammed R. Mhawish continues to navigate the treacherous landscape of war journalism, this award serves as a testament to the vital role that journalists play in safeguarding truth and humanity amidst chaos. For more information about the Neal Conan Prize and to support ongoing efforts for serious journalism, interested parties can visit the official website at nealconanprize.org.
Mhawish, a Gaza-based journalist, is celebrated for his coverage that highlights the stark realities faced by civilians caught in conflict. Over the past few years, the Gaza conflict has claimed the lives of over 249 journalists, making it one of the deadliest events for reporters in modern history. Mhawish's experiences—including surviving a direct attack on his home—underscore the perilous and often deadly nature of reporting from a war zone.
Notably, his work has been featured in prominent publications such as The New Yorker, The New York Times, and This American Life. His reporting is distinguished not only by its precision but also by its deep empathy, illuminating the stories of those affected by the conflict in a way that resonates with audiences worldwide. Mhawish shared his harrowing tale of being trapped under rubble after an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) strike destroyed the building where he lived, emphasizing the risks that journalists take to tell the truth.
During the award ceremony, Mhawish participated in a panel discussion with previous award winners Jane Ferguson and Hind Hassan, moderated by Bruce Shapiro of The Global Center for Journalism and Trauma. The conversation centered around the increasingly dangerous situation for journalists in conflict zones, particularly in Gaza. Mhawish reflected on the importance of his role in documenting his community's experiences, stating, "Journalism in Gaza was never a career choice for me. It became a lifeline, a way to keep my community from being erased, a way to say we were here. This happened, so remember us."
Mhawish's acceptance speech conveyed a poignant message about the power of journalism, highlighting the ongoing debates surrounding the existence and safety of Palestinian journalists. Other panelists echoed his sentiments, noting the dehumanization and targeting of those who seek to report the truth in such perilous environments. Hind Hassan remarked, "Palestinian journalists have been dehumanized, dismissed, and targeted. They continue to tell the truth even as the world debates their existence, their professionalism, and their right to safety."
Jane Ferguson added her observations from two decades of reporting on global conflicts, stating, "The devastation in Gaza today is unlike anything I have witnessed. It is unprecedented in its scope, its civilian toll, and its collapse of basic protections for journalists and ordinary families alike."
The Neal Conan Prize was established in the wake of a troubling trend of decreased support for serious journalism amidst an increase in commercially driven news content. This award, now in its third year, aims to bolster rigorous, human-centered journalism at a time when the industry faces immense challenges.
As Mohammed R. Mhawish continues to navigate the treacherous landscape of war journalism, this award serves as a testament to the vital role that journalists play in safeguarding truth and humanity amidst chaos. For more information about the Neal Conan Prize and to support ongoing efforts for serious journalism, interested parties can visit the official website at nealconanprize.org.
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