As the Oct. 7 anniversary of the worst terror attack on Israeli civilians in a generation approached, UNICEF sent out an internal directive to its fundraising division: Don’t mention it.
“No mention of a ‘One-Year Mark’: In all fundraising materials, please refrain from framing appeals around a ‘one-year mark’ of the conflict,” the directive, which was shared with Devex, said. “We should not be pro-active on media engagement related to the anniversary itself, cognizant that this will be a day of mourning in Israel, and we should respect that.”
It is “important not to ramp up efforts of Gaza-specific activations on or around 7 October,” it added.
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About the author
Colum Lynch
Colum Lynch is an award-winning reporter and Senior Global Reporter for Devex. He covers the intersection of development, diplomacy, and humanitarian relief at the United Nations and beyond. Prior to Devex, Colum reported on foreign policy and national security for Foreign Policy Magazine and the Washington Post. Colum was awarded the 2011 National Magazine Award for digital reporting for his blog Turtle Bay. He has also won an award for groundbreaking reporting on the U.N.’s failure to protect civilians in Darfur.
