A conference was held at Kastamonu University (KÜ) with the participation of Palestinian journalist Sami Mohammed Abdullah Shehada, who lost his right leg as a result of an attack while on duty in Gaza during the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. 

In the program organized in collaboration with our university and the Kastamonu Journalists Association (KGD), TRT Arabi Photojournalist Shehada, known for his work in conveying the humanitarian drama in Gaza to the international public, was hosted on November 25, 2025, in the Central Library Sezai Karakoç Hall. 

The conference, organized with contributions from our university's Press Community, Gazete Kampüs, and the Kastamonu Journalists Association, was held with the participation of Deputy Governor Aydın Ergün, our Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Mehmet Atalan and Prof. Dr. Ömer Küçük, KGK Kastamonu Provincial Representative and Kastamonu Journalists Association President journalist-writer İzzet Sarı, President of the Palestinian Diplomacy Center Dr. Zahir Albek, as well as academics, students, and numerous guests.

The program began with the opening of a photo exhibition featuring attacks carried out by Israel in Palestine. Following a moment of silence and the national anthem, a recitation of the Quran was performed by Kamil Gezer, the Imam of the Ulu Mosque in Kuzeykent neighborhood. 

The program began with the opening of a photo exhibition featuring attacks carried out by Israel in Palestine. Following a moment of silence and the national anthem, a recitation of the Quran was performed by Kamil Gezer, the Imam of the Ulu Mosque in Kuzeykent neighborhood. 

Dr. Zahir Albek, President of the Palestinian Diplomatic Center, drew attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, stating that it is a human responsibility for journalists to be the voice of the people of Gaza. Stating that children and the elderly in Gaza are suffering heavy losses, Albek emphasized that the ongoing human rights violations in the region must end as soon as possible.

Following the speeches, a short video was shown featuring images of journalist Sami Shehada's attack in Gaza, his injury process, and his experiences, focusing on what is happening in Gaza. After the performance, which was filled with emotional moments, Shehada took the stage and was met with enthusiastic applause. 

In her speech, Shehada detailed the difficulties of practicing journalism in a war environment, the responsibility of Palestinian journalists to convey the truth to the world due to the foreign press being denied entry to Gaza, and the obstacles encountered during this process. Sharing moments when he came face-to-face with death, Shehada said that witnessing the loss of his colleagues, in addition to his efforts to protect his family, left deep scars on him. He stated that he experienced the most difficult days during the attack on Shifa Hospital. 

Stating that he didn't give up on journalism even during his treatment process, Shehada emphasized his commitment to his profession with the words, "I swore I wouldn't give up this profession even if I had to work with two sticks." He thanked the government of the Republic of Turkey for its efforts in evacuating him from Gaza. 

Following the speech, Deputy Governor Aydın Ergün presented Shehada with the Press Honor Award given by KGD. As part of the program, our Vice Rector, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Atalan, also presented Shehada with a gift to commemorate the day. 

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Deputy Governor Ergün stated that Shehada's courage and journalistic mission set an example for the entire world, and thanked those who contributed to the organization of the program.

The conference concluded with a group photo.

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