Atwan, in exclusive statements to the radio, said he expected to be included on such lists given what he described as a ‘Zionist campaign continuing for more than twenty years’. He emphasized his rejection of being labeled as ‘anti-Semitic’, asserting that his roots are in Palestine and the Arab region, and that his declared positions advocate for coexistence among followers of the three religions within a single state based on full equality of rights.
He added that being listed is a ‘badge of honor’ for him, considering this step as part of targeting media and political figures who criticize Israeli policies, according to his expression. He noted that including ten names in the list carries ‘direct or indirect threat messages’.
Atwan expressed his concerns about what he described as the increasing targeting of journalists, citing the killing of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh and the assassination of cartoonist Naji al-Ali, considering that listing media figures on similar lists might expose them to additional risks.
He also mentioned facing restrictions on his appearances in Western media outlets, including CNN and BBC, as well as other European channels, noting that this is part of what he described as the shrinking space for freedom of expression in the West concerning issues related to Israel.
In a related context, he revealed the existence of communications between the figures listed to coordinate jointly for defending freedom of expression and to explore the possibility of establishing a framework or organization concerned with protecting journalists and media personnel who, according to him, are subjected to similar pressures or threats.
Atwan considered that what he described as ‘shifts in Western public opinion’ have become increasingly apparent in recent years, pointing out that international criticisms of Israeli policies are escalating, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended his government’s positions on more than one occasion on the international stage.
Atwan concluded his remarks by affirming that being included in the list will not change his positions, stressing his continued media activity and defense of freedom of expression, and calling for a broader international discussion on protecting journalists from political pressures and accusatory classifications.
It is noteworthy that the Israeli Ministry of Diaspora Affairs included in its 2025 report a list of 10 prominent global figures described as ‘key influencers in the field of anti-Semitism and Zionism’. The list included Tucker Carlson, a prominent conservative American political commentator, host of ‘Tucker Carlson Show’ on the X platform, known for his sharp right-wing views; Greta Thunberg, a young Swedish environmental activist born in 2003, founder of the Fridays for Future movement, known for her support of the Palestinian cause; Candace Owens, a conservative American political commentator and podcast host, known for her strong criticisms of the left and progressive movements.
The list also included Dan Bilzerian, an American poker player and famous social media influencer known for his lavish lifestyle; Bassem Youssef, an Egyptian-American comedian and former surgeon known for his satirical program ‘The Program’; Omar Suleiman, an American Muslim imam and lecturer of Palestinian origin, founder of the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, activist in human rights and interfaith dialogue.
Nick Fuentes, an American far-right political activist and host of ‘America First’, was also included, as well as Anastasia Maria Lopez, a Danish doctor and influencer living in Copenhagen, active on social media; Ian Carroll, an independent American digital activist and podcast host; and finally, Abdel Bari Atwan, a British-Palestinian journalist and political commentator, editor-in-chief of the ‘Rai Al-Youm’ website.
