Geneva: Israeli journalist Gideon Levy, a member of the editorial board of Haaretz, has received the 2026 Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) Award for his independent and critical journalism during the period of conflict Israel has experienced since October 7, 2023.
The Geneva-based Press Emblem Campaign, a media safety and press freedom organisation, presents its Prize for the Protection of Journalists annually to an individual or organisation that has distinguished itself in defending press freedom in situations of armed violence. The award has been presented since 2009.
Born in Tel Aviv in 1953, Levy has frequently criticised Israeli policies concerning Gaza and the West Bank. His weekly Haaretz column, “Twilight Zone,” focuses on the activities of the Israeli military and the impact of its policies on Palestinians. His views have also drawn criticism in Israel from opponents who accuse him of supporting the Palestinian side.
“By awarding him the PEC Prize, we want to show that it is possible, even in a country at war, to take a critical stance and defend fundamental principles of press freedom such as independence, impartiality and transparency,” PEC President Blaise Lempen said at the award ceremony. He described Levy’s work as an example of critical journalism during wartime.
the 2026 Press Emblem Campaign (PEC) Award was presented Thursday to Israeli journalist @levy_haaretz Gideon Levy, The Geneva-based NGO sought to recognize his independence and critical analysis during the dramatic period Israel has been experiencing since October 7, 2023. pic.twitter.com/OAwjz0G3pS
— Daoud Kuttab داود كُتّاب (@daoudkuttab) September 17, 2026
The PEC said independent documentation of military operations is important for establishing facts about possible violations of international humanitarian law and for addressing impunity.
The organisation also referred to its previous awardees. In 2025, the PEC honoured Kurdish journalist Perihan Kaya, while the 2024 award went to Palestinian journalist Iyad Alasttal, a Gaza journalist who later sought refuge in France. Earlier recipients included Arnaud Ouédraogo (2023), Ekaterina Glikman (2022) and Indian journalist Nava Thakuria (2021).
The 2026 award was presented to Levy during an event at La Maison de la Paix in Geneva, where he also participated in a discussion with writer Metin Arditi. The programme was organised in cooperation with the Geneva Press Club, the Institute of Arab and Mediterranean Cultures and the Geneva Graduate Institute.
The PEC was founded in Geneva in 2004 during the Iraq War with the aim of strengthening the protection of journalists working in conflict zones. Since its establishment, the organisation has focused on journalist safety and press freedom amid armed conflicts and other forms of violence.
