Linda Gradstein

Linda Gradstein is a journalist specializing in Middle East news coverage. She served as Jerusalem correspondent for National Public Radio for more than 20 years, reporting from Israel and the Palestinian territories. Gradstein holds a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service and a master's degree in Arab Studies from Georgetown University, an academic background that informs her reporting on Israeli and Palestinian affairs. She began her journalism career as a Hebrew and Arabic translator for American reporters in Israel during the first intifada and is fluent in both languages.

Gradstein has reported on major events in Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip, including the intifada, the immigration of Soviet Jews to Israel, the return of Yasser Arafat to Gaza, the rise of Hamas, the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin, the Persian Gulf War, and multiple Israeli elections. Her work has been recognized with honors such as the Overseas Press Club Award for coverage of the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin and the Alfred I. DuPont Award for Excellence in Broadcast Journalism for coverage of the Gulf War. Gradstein has also been a Knight Journalism Fellow at Stanford University.

Gradstein serves as Israel Bureau Chief for The Media Line news agency and as Jerusalem correspondent for Voice of America and CBS Radio. She contributes to publications including The Forward and Jerusalem Report and teaches journalism at NYU-Tel Aviv. Her reporting focuses on Israeli and Palestinian politics, conflict, and society, providing analysis for audiences seeking to understand developments in the Middle East.

Gradstein draws on decades of experience, linguistic fluency, and regional expertise to cover topics such as ceasefire negotiations, hostage releases, and the social impact of conflict. Her reporting offers context and insight into the political realities and challenges facing Israelis and Palestinians.