Gordon College Leads Regional Research on Hate Speech Against Journalists
A new international research project led by Dr. Ornat Turin, Head of the Communication Department at Gordon Academic College of Education, is shedding light on the growing phenomenon of hate speech targeting journalists in regions marked by ongoing conflict and historical trauma. The project, conducted in partnership with the University of Pristina (Kosovo) and Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Greece), is generously supported by the Israeli Ministry for Regional Cooperation.
The study focuses on how hate speech against journalists manifests in societies like Greece, Kosovo, and Israel—countries navigating complex social narratives shaped by both contemporary tensions and historical wounds. The research teams have recently completed the data collection phase and are now preparing for the analysis stage.
As part of the project, Dr. Turin participated in the annual THISAM (Thessaloniki International Summer Academy in Media) program, hosted by Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. The two-week summer school brings together journalism students, early-career researchers, media professionals, and civil society representatives from countries such as Malaysia, China, Taiwan, Germany, Canada, and Greece for interdisciplinary dialogue on contemporary journalism.
Dr. Turin represented Gordon College at the event held at the Thessaloniki Museum of Photography. The gathering featured high-level participants, including the Rector of Aristotle University, the Mayor of Thessaloniki, a former Foreign Minister of Kosovo, and Members of Parliament, creating a rare and meaningful intersection of academia, policy, and public discourse.
The project’s funding from the Israeli Ministry for Regional Cooperation played a critical role not only in advancing the research itself but also in enabling the establishment of new strategic partnerships in the region. During the Thessaloniki meeting, Gordon College connected with several new potential academic partners from neighboring countries, opening doors for future collaborations in the fields of journalism, communication, and peacebuilding.
