We’ve all seen it before.
People win an award, walk up to the stage, say then never expected such a thing to ever happen – and then proceed to whip out a neat set of pre-prepared ‘thank you ever so much’ notes.
Last night, I was presented with the Young Journalist of the Year Award at the GG2 annual awards ceremony – an event that recognises the contributions of ethnic minorities to Britain.
Truly, I never expected to win.
I never expected an event sponsored by an Asian media group to recognise the contributions of a Jewish journalist. Why should they?
Nevertheless, shortlisted for the award, I happily attended the ceremony – bringing my bouncy mother along for good measure.
After all, it was down to her that I’d been shortlisted.
Ever since I joined the JC, I have written about the cultural complexities that come with being the British-born daughter of Iraqi Jewish parents – people who had been forced to flee Baghdad in the 1970s in the wake of increasing antisemitism and persecution.
I have told the untold story of my grandfather who was imprisoned by Saddam Hussein’s government for being a “Zionist spy” (just FYI, he wasn’t). I have told the story of my family, who were forced to leave their businesses, homes and most personal possessions behind in a bid to make a safe escape in the dark of the night through Kurdistan, Iran and Turkey – before seeking refuge in Israel or any European country that would have them.
I have performed impersonations of my distinctly Middle Eastern family – who sing Rosh Hashana and Chanucah songs in Arabic.
It’s a background alien to most – which is why I felt I had little chance of winning.
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