_News_ | *International recognition for Alternative Press Syndicate* Associate member of the International Federation of Journalists 👇 The Alternative Press Syndicate was granted international legitimacy yesterday after being accepted as an associate member of the International Federation of Journalists. The group also announced a name change to the Union of Journalists in Lebanon and reaffirmed its core mission to provide protection for journalists in the country. In an interview with Megaphone, union president Elsy Moufarrej, formerly the syndicate’s coordinator, said they submitted their membership application to the IFJ on May 6, 2025, along with a record of their achievements to date. The next goal is to secure full membership, which hinges on the union’s official registration in Lebanon. This development marks a first for the IFJ in the Arab world: Lebanon is now represented by two bodies: the union and the Syndicate of Lebanese Press Editors. The step is significant because the IFJ represents national unions from 146 countries and grants the Union of Journalists in Lebanon international recognition. It also allows the union to issue IFJ press cards to its members, offering greater protection for journalists, especially freelancers. This comes six years after the launch of the alternative press syndicate. Today, the union dedicated this achievement to the memory of their colleague Issam Abdullah and all the other journalists who were killed during the recent Israeli aggression on Lebanon.