Pioneering Guardian journalist, Hella Pick dies aged 96

Hella Pick, the esteemed former foreign correspondent and diplomatic editor of The Guardian, has passed away at the age of 96.

Her godchildren, Matthew Fyjis-Walker and Jemima Fyjis-Walker, announced that she died in the early hours of Thursday, April 4, 2024.

Despite her frailty and difficulty speaking, Pick insisted on listening to the lunchtime news on Wednesday, even amidst a backdrop of somber reports.

With a career spanning over seven decades, Pick was a trailblazer in the field of journalism, covering geopolitical upheavals and significant shifts in global power dynamics.

She had the privilege of meeting numerous world leaders throughout her illustrious career. Her final article, focusing on the war in Gaza, was published in January 2024.

Breaking into the male-dominated world of foreign affairs journalism in the 1950s, Pick spent more than 30 years working for The Guardian.

She served as an inspiration to many and commanded respect from colleagues for her unwavering dedication and immense knowledge of world affairs.

Her tenure coincided with a time before the internet, where qualities like tenacity, resilience, patience, and charm were paramount for success in journalism.

Katharine Viner, the Editor-in-Chief of The Guardian, paid tribute to Pick, describing her as an incredible force and an inspiration to all.

Viner highlighted Pick’s unparalleled contacts, vast knowledge, and unyielding determination to uncover the truth. She emphasized that despite the scarcity of women foreign correspondents when Pick began her career, she quickly earned admiration and respect from colleagues worldwide.

Viner noted that Pick’s personal history as a refugee from the Nazis profoundly shaped her life and work. Her continued dedication to journalism, evident in her work until just weeks before her passing, serves as a testament to her unwavering commitment and resilience.

Hella Pick’s legacy as a pioneering journalist will endure, leaving an indelible mark on the field of journalism and inspiring future generations.