NY Times Magazine Writer Resigns After Accusing Israel of Palestinian Extermination
A New York Times Magazine writer, Jazmine Hughes, recently resigned from her position following accusations against Israel of enacting a systemic extermination of Palestinians. The incident created a stir in the media, with Hughes’s decision to step down triggering discussions on journalistic ethics and the right to engage in political activism.
The New York Times Magazine addressed Hughes’s resignation in an email, stating that her departure was a result of her desire to be politically active, which violated the publication’s policy on public protest. Jake Silverstein, the Editor-in-Chief of New York Times Magazine, expressed his support for the policy, seeing it as an essential aspect of the publication’s commitment to independence.
Silverstein explained that both he and Hughes agreed that her desire to engage in political activism and participate in public protests would be incompatible with her role as a journalist at The New York Times. As a result, they came to the conclusion that she should resign from her position.
This incident takes place amid heightened tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Earlier this week, Hughes signed a letter titled Writers Against the War on Gaza, which accused Israel of apartheid and held the Jewish state responsible for the recent Hamas attacks on October 7. The letter criticized The New York Times for publishing an editorial expressing support for Israel’s right to defend itself.
This resignation follows criticism that Hughes had previously directed towards her former employer. She had signed another letter earlier this year, criticizing The New York Times for its coverage of transgender issues. Jamie Lauren Keiles, a contributing writer for the magazine, also announced their departure this week, citing their dissatisfaction with the publication.
Sources within the newsroom have expressed their support for the management’s decision to accept Hughes’s resignation. They believe that it is crucial for writers to maintain privacy regarding their political stances and not attack the work of their colleagues.
The incident involving Jazmine Hughes and her resignation from The New York Times Magazine highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the intersection of journalism and political activism. The tension between expressing personal beliefs and maintaining the objectivity expected of journalists continues to be a topic of discussion within the industry.
