I was thrust into the international limelight when the New York Times and other major media outlets published a photo of me ― bloodied and battered ― crouching beneath a club-wielding Israeli policeman. The caption identified me as a Palestinian victim of the new intifada. In fact, however, I am a 20-year-old Jewish student from Chicago, studying at a yeshiva in Jerusalem.
Here's how it all happened:
It was the eve of Rosh Hashana, and I hailed a taxi with two of my friends to go visit the Western Wall. Along the way, the driver took a shortcut through one of the Arab neighborhoods in Jerusalem. We turned a corner and suddenly there were about 40 Palestinians surrounding the car. Before we knew it, huge rocks had smashed all the windows of the taxi.
Some of the Palestinians pulled open the door and dragged me from the vehicle. About 10 attackers jumped on top of me, punching and kicking me. I crouched to the ground, and tried to cover my face to protect myself as much as possible. All I could see were a flurry of sneakers kicking me in the face.
Then I felt a strong pair of hands grabbing me, and I uncovered my face because I thought someone was trying to help me. But it was just another Palestinian; he held the back of my head and punched me square in the face. I fell flat on the ground and the Palestinians jumped on top of me again. One of them stabbed me in the back of my leg, ripping through muscles and tendons. Two other Palestinians held my head so I couldn’t move, while two more bashed rocks onto my head... again and again and again.
By this time the beating had gone on for about eight minutes. I had already lost three pints of blood and was losing consciousness. I said "Shema Yisrael" ― the declaration of faith that a Jew says before he dies. I tried not to black out, because I was sure if I did it would be the end.
Because it was the eve of Rosh Hashana, the image of a shofar flashed through my mind, and I recalled a Biblical story I'd learned in school. The prophet Gideon and his 300 men were badly outnumbered against the Midianite army of 130,000. So Gideon's troops banged pots and blew shofars, hoping that the noise would scare the enemy. With God's help, the ploy worked, and Gideon won the battle.
So I yelled at the top of my lungs. The Palestinians were startled momentarily, and I was able to get up and run. Unfortunately, I am heavily nearsighted and my contact lenses had fallen out. So there I was ― barely able to see a thing, with blood pouring down my face and my leg badly wounded ― being chased up a hill by 40 Palestinians throwing rocks at me.
It was a miracle, but I somehow outran them and reached a gas station where Israeli soldiers were posted.
I collapsed on the ground, and that's when a group of freelance photographers started snapping pictures. An Israeli policeman was protecting me, yelling at the Palestinians to back off from finishing the lynching. But the photo ― sent throughout the world by the Associated Press ― identified me as a Palestinian. The obvious implication was that the Israeli policeman had just beaten me. In truth, it was the total opposite. I was a Jewish victim of Palestinian attackers.
It's bad enough to be beaten bloody, get stitches up and down my head, and have my leg so severely stabbed that therapy is required to regain use of it. But to be used as a pawn in the media war, as part of the Palestinian propaganda to gain international sympathy, well, that hurts even more.
When a photo gets published, there are many links in the chain, and in this case, I don't know where the fault for the garbled caption lies. But it is deeply disturbing that the New York Times, Associated Press, and everyone else in-between assumed that if it's a victim, it must be a Palestinian.
There is a great struggle here in Israel and this event highlights the power of the media to influence public opinion. If truth is to prevail, we can't just "read" the newspaper. Be discerning and become part of the process. Otherwise, you're just a passive object of someone else's agenda.
Who are the innocent victims and who are the aggressors? The truth is often the opposite of how it appears.
with thanks to Shraga Simmons
(71) Trude, July 2, 2018 5:36 AM
Show the photo
For us, in the rest of the world, fighting in the media war and trying to convince authorities and media that trust NY Times, AP, and photographers from Reuters, AFP and others, it is extremely important that we get photos like these to show examples of the lies that is given to us. I don't live in the USA or Israel, but in Europe. We do need the arguments, that is, in this case, the photos, too, to show the lies. Would it be possible to send the link to it to me, please? Thank you!
(70) Shaunra, October 15, 2013 8:59 PM
Israel needs to be more smarter and take legal action for defamation and lies
It is sad that the Jewish people who are considered to be the smartest and wealthiest in the world have not taken people, groups or even countries to court and sued them for defamation, lies, loss of income (BDS), human rights violations (for supporting PLO, Hamas, Hizbolla etc). Maybe it is costly to have a case tried in court but the State of Israel should step up and help. That goes for the broadcast media as well. I have watched the following documentaries : Obsession The Third Jihad and a few clips from youtube. I've seen some muslim/Arab TV stations broadcasting lies and hate in their stations. If I remember correctly the where few so called "Palestinian" stations showing children wanting to be suicide bombers. Then there are so many Islamic stations on satellite tv which people watch and believe. There is Aljazeera which most use as their source. And last but not least is Iran's Press TV which was available till recently. Its a shame on the Jewish people and the State of Israel for sitting back and only squealing or complaining. When will there be Orthodox Jewish religious stations and normal Jewish/Israeli programs on TVs or free-to-air Satellite. I pray that the world Jewry and Israel acts soon
(69) Robyn, August 10, 2013 12:04 PM
Israel has the right to exist!
Thank you for telling us the truth! You know there are other victims of any other causes in the world some even caused by the liars themselves being poytrayed as victims who got hurt by the I.D.F! For example are some of the palistinins themselves espeacelly the women and children! The areas I'm speaking about for now is gaza-ruled by hamas and leasibeian-ruled by Hezbollah! Hamas and heabollah caused the pain of these palistinins by GOING underground HIDING behind their civilians! And another israeli this time a child was portrayed as a Palestinian victim was really a victim of a Hamas rocket attack! I will not be fooled!
(68) glenda urmacher, July 7, 2012 3:30 PM
shame on the New York Times, haven't been buying that paper or the L.A. Times for years for false reporting on Israel.They have to rely on gypsy reporters and photographers, their own personel would be killed for reporting the TRUTH. try Wall Street Journal editorial fair mostly
(67) saleh, September 14, 2010 3:08 PM
Gideon
the name of the policeman "gidaan safadi" "gidon" is the nickname .
(66) Marc Rozenbaum, September 13, 2010 7:39 PM
Gideon
Tuvia was thinking about Gideon, who would finally win the battle... and the name of the Israeli (druze) policeman who saved him is Gidon : Amazing, isn't it ?
(65) Mitchell Cohen, July 7, 2010 6:27 AM
Tuvia Grossman - Did you sue the NY Times? I hope so!!!!
Mr. Tuvia Grossman, my heart goes out to you, your friends, and your families. Like you said, what you went through would have been enough of a trauma in and of itself, but for such a "respected" newspaper to increase your trauma by using you as a pawn to turn call evil good and darkness light is a record low blow. I hope you sued the NY Times and if you didn't, I would!!!! G-d be with you....
(64) Anonymous, March 2, 2010 12:34 AM
does anyone know
what happened to tuvia's friends? did they also come out ok?
(63) Anonymous, September 13, 2009 5:15 PM
I read this today Sept. 13th. 2009. It is about time all jews stopped buying the New York Times.Stopped their advertising in this anti semetic news paper, and jews world wide stopped their subscriptions. Hit the New York Times where it hurst them most. In Their Bank Balance
(62) Barbara Pergament, January 2, 2009 9:11 PM
SHAME on the NEW YORK TIMES
When will you people understand that you can only do your miserable job just so long - then the truth will eventually be told (not by you of course). Where have your reporters shown the misery of thousands of rockets bombing innocent Israelis. You incite the world against those who should be respected and praised for withholding their entitled wrath for 8 years of rockets and go on to lie again - only this time you were caught redhanded. Disgusting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(61) Anonymous, November 19, 2006 5:19 PM
Vigilance is required today
Tuvia, I am so shocked by what the major media did to you. Your experience is why many of the major newspapers here in the USA are loosing readership and credibility. We get our news from Drudge online mainly since it is very wide ranging. We pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and thank you for letting your voice be heard to correct the stupid racist, knee-jerk liberal lies. Keep speaking out, keep telling the truth. Thank you again!
(60) MarkGordon, November 13, 2006 8:29 AM
How can I as an individual stand against this media misrepresenting Israel?
As One Line summary
(59) Thomas Bush, August 17, 2006 12:00 AM
New York Times is a disgrace!
No one should be suprised by biased reporting from the NY Times, they continually demonize Israel! They have an agenda to editorialize the news not report it. The young man Tuvia was used as a part of that agenda! I sincerly pray that the NY Times goes bankrupt and never climes out of it!!
(58) Anonymous, August 12, 2006 12:00 AM
What a shame
What a brave guy, and what a shame that the very people who are supposed to be informing us truthfully, would ruin our trust and faith in the information we recieve and see!!!!And then when there is a real story, we may not take it as true!!!! Isn't there enough crap, lies, and passing the buck!!!!!!
(57) jacob, August 1, 2006 12:00 AM
only if truth was louder
very sorry about what happened to you. but we already know what these palestinians are capable of. this incident should have been made a bigger issue to bring out the reality about the p'stenians. God bless
(56) Becky Berger, July 16, 2006 12:00 AM
At last, the truth will prevail
Tuvia,
Since September 11th, 2001... there is more understanding of who are the Palestinians and the Arabs. They live by the sword and breath by their lies. No other society in the world is known as propagandists as the Palestinians and the Arabs. Believe me, dinam od yagia
Individual acts of death, terror and destruction throughout the world committed in the name of Allah is a dilemma that the world begins to realize. Decades they managed to foul the world with their endless lies. They are the masters of propagandas no one can match them.
Tuvia, we must stay strong and educate ourselves and the world about these evil creatures until the truth and the whole truth is divulge.
Thanks for sharing your horrifying ordeal, but mostly thanks for correcting your story through the bias Media.
Yishar Koach and God bless you.
Becky
(55) I. Southworth, July 12, 2006 12:00 AM
Where are the editors?
What every happened to editing and fact checking? What has happened to the press making sure that what they print is the truth. Why has every newspaper, seemingly, gone to level of smear tactic tabloids? I guess, because people have come to acccept it. It's time to make all publications accountable for what they print. It is no longer a safe world and people really need the true facts more than ever, not made up stories, which do nothing but spread lying propaganda and make innocent parties look guilty of things they never, ever committed.
(54) Anonymous, April 9, 2006 12:00 AM
i think this story as well as other stories should get much more publicity. i think the new york times should be shambled for this story and then the tiny article in the back apologizing. you should write articles shambling them because this is not the only incident they got the news wrong. i just dont think whats going on is right and action should be taken. i am a boy age 15.
(53) Shelly K., June 9, 2005 12:00 AM
Media Bias on Israel: The Newer Anti-Semitism
I don't think it takes any great wisdom to realise that media bias againt Israel is the latest way of expressing anti Jewish feelings. Any person who seeks the truth will realise this. We live in an "olam hafuch" (upside down world). Those who do not wish to look further than superficially are looking for a peg to hang their hat of shameful hatred of Jews. I aplaud those - especially those who are not Jewish - who take the trouble to get to the truth of the matter. It is very heartening to see your comments on this website and I thank you. I also wish to mention your integrity. May you be blessed in the light of your support for Israel. The day will come when truth will prevail in this world. We are all responsible for out actions. Let each of us in our lives look for truth - which is close to G-d and to our essence. Tuvia, may you heal well. IS there a chance this lie could be exposed on a media channel that gets good coverage, such as for example the Oprah show? Any thinking person once they see a lie like this would realise which way the cookie really crumbles. People, lets be strong and stand up for truth.
(52) Erik A., June 8, 2005 12:00 AM
Once again...
...suberb proof of all the Palestinian and Arab lies their spreading throughout the world. Thanks so much for you story. People who do not want to believe this are likely hating Jewish people, I guess. I printed out your father's note to NYTimes and your story to keep, as a weapon in the unfair war against (media-)terrorism. I wish you all the best, Tuvia!
She'elohim yevarech otcha,
Erik
(51) LDavis, May 23, 2005 12:00 AM
Beating photo
This is the first time I've come across your photo but I am not surprised by the 'disinformation' and how it was used for their propaganda. People (here and abroad) need to wake up! Christians and Jews alike-this isn't a 'fad'-Islamists hate us and view all of us as inferior. I feel for you and your family and pray you regain the full use of your leg as well as overcome your psychological scars too. We must all band together to a united fight-I am not Jewish but we believe in the same God. Stay strong in mind & prayer, you're not alone.
(50) Mahabala Bhandari, January 5, 2005 12:00 AM
Dont bow down Israel. We look to you for inspiration.
You are an example for guts to the world of people who have suffered from Religious Fundamentalism.
You are inspiration to those of different religions who seek peaceful coexistance with all religions.
You must show the world no matter how hard you try to break the body , you cant touch the spirit, that no matter what price, Israel will exist forever.
Dont let the Free To Lie Press deter your course of action for only one who has lost a loved one to those lying cowards who hide behind cloth masks will know that they are like cunning mad dogs.They need to be hunted down and exterminated, their spawn must be exterminated so that our children will not suffer the pain that we do.
(49) Jay L., December 30, 2004 12:00 AM
I am sickened by the constant lies of the media sympathizing with the wrong side of evey issue!
THANK YOU for giving us the real truth behind the photo. I am blown away by the constant lies that the media propagate. There is a long history of the media making the police into the villian and the thugs into the heros or victims. Don't they realize that if it wasn't for the good guys none of us would ever be safe.
(48) Berry Gibson, November 21, 2004 12:00 AM
Cast in the light of a dishonest media
I am a Christian who has always had a fondness for the people of Israel and for Jewish people in general. I have always admired the courage resiliance and stregth continually displayed in the face of absolute terror. Everytime I eat a Sbarro's pizza in a nearby mall I try to put myself in the scenario where it was blown up, but I just cannot fathom how that happens. When that barbaric butcher died I was so pleased that I wanted to throw a party. I try to understand why the media loves those terrorist murdering arabs so much, but just cannot understand, except to say that they must be anti-Jewish as much as they are anti-American. I could go on forever about my strong feelings for the people of your faith and the country of Israel just know that you are all in my prayers. God Bless you all.
(47) ANAT, November 17, 2004 12:00 AM
IT REALLY MAKES ME SAD HOW THE MEDIA MAKES US LOOK IN THE EYES OF THE WORLD
SO MUCH HATE.
EVEN IF THE JEWISH STUDENT WROTE AND EXPLANED THE REAL SITUATION THAT HE WAS THE VICTOM HERE,
NO ONE IS GOING TO TAKE IT SERIOUSLY BECAUSE OUR FATE HAS ALREADY BEEN MADE IN THE EYES OF THE WORLD
AND THE HATE WILL NOT DECREASE , ON THE CONTRARY
IT REALLY HURTS ME
I LIVED IN AUSTRALIA FOR 9 YEARS AND MY MOTHER WHO WORKED AS A NURSE IN A HOSPITAL REALY FELT THE HATE , THEY USED TO REFER TO JEWS AS ' THAT BLOODY JEW'
AS IF WE AS A NATION HAVENT BEEN THROUGH ENOUGH...
(46) Lori, November 10, 2004 12:00 AM
1 sided media
I have often felt that the media only tells the story in the way they feel it will sell papers. So they didn't surprise me on the way they mis-told this story they just digusted and angered me.
(45) Leigh Dirga, September 30, 2004 12:00 AM
The New York Times, untruthful, always.
The New York times seems to tell how they see the story first and then time and time again they are having to apologize for what they believed was the truth and what they though were the facts to every reader of American media. I do apologize for our media, they tend to put more spin on journalism today then ever before to get you pulled into an article and then begin to mislead you. Which is very unfortunate because in the end even after hearing the truth -- your left with the one question of why does certain media (newspapers, newsgroups, television reporters, Reuters reporters and journalists) not tell all the facts or get their facts straight before presenting a story to the public? Why because they feel if they put more and more spin on their story, people will feel more inclined to read their coverage then any other because unfortunately they have to glorify their coverage based on half truths and lies to gain business and I am sorry to say but that's what it's all about today and that's so sad to me. Just like the Dan Rather issue with our president and now after everything is coming out -- more and more people are not going to listen to CBS or Dan Rather. News is supposed to be informative, well prepared a story of both sides of the argument and it's supposed to tell you a story of truth not leave you guessing about what really happened and I am so sorry that the media presented your story in such an improper way, the media is not what it used to be and it's very hard to find a media outlet now that is trustworthy, honest, fair and balanced.
(44) Anonymous, May 18, 2004 12:00 AM
I think what happened is absolutly ridiculous. And for anyone who was dumb enough to beleive that this garbage was real, they are burying their heads in the sand and they know it. What really makes it hurt is that the Americans don't even try to see if the "facts" are really "facts"
(43) Jeanne Titus, March 23, 2004 12:00 AM
How can one possibly trust the New York Times after reading how they made no attempt to tell the truth? This seems to be par for the course for the NYT. They have no shame. I'm glad Tuvia survived this evil act to tell us the truth.
(42) maryann burrow, March 17, 2004 12:00 AM
comment on newspaper picture
I have read your story,Tuvia and I am in full ageement that our news is sometimes distorted to the point of propaganda-in my opinion anyway. You never know what to believe anymore.
(41) Benjamin Baellow, February 4, 2004 12:00 AM
A great example of the lack of responsibility of the media
This is a great story to be told in order for people to better understand the misleadings of the media. All to often reporters are only interested in printing a story or a photo, even if the facts aren't all together true.
(40) EUGENE LEBOVITZ, June 16, 2003 12:00 AM
VERY GOOD ARTICLE AND A CLEAR PICTURE
VERY GOOD ARTICLE AND A CLEAR PICTURE
WHO IS OUR FRIEND AND WHO ARE OUR ENEMIES.
(39) Anonymous, May 16, 2003 12:00 AM
Atlantic Magazine Article proves IDF did not kill Mohammad Dura
It may be of interest to you that the
Atlantic Monthly had two very fair towards Israel articles this past month.
The title article explains what the U.S. can learn from Israel to stop terrorism. The second discussed and supports arugments that it is impossible that the IDF killed Mohammad Dura, and very likely that the Palestinians staged the entire event for propogasnda puroposes.
(38) Philip Toth, April 10, 2003 12:00 AM
We want the truth
Keep us informed to what is really happening. I would appreciate this article and any others in Portugese for the Brazilian people. We can reach thousands here with the truth of this message.
(37) v.r. Raphael, March 28, 2003 12:00 AM
Congratulations for your effort
the photo of the young jewish student, presented as a Palestinian, changed all my positions regarding the right and wrong. I started to dig out and conduct my own in depth research on the Arab Israeli conflict and despite my status, Iam a Greek Orthodox Christian Priest in the Old City, I am standing up ever since for the People of The Book, the People of God. Unfortunately I have to say that Israel fails to conduct with the same efficiency the media war, resulting to a massive pro-palestinian world wide sympathy. I am ready to assist you if you believe I can do something.God Bless you, Israel and the Holy Land.
(36) Rod Manz, December 21, 2002 12:00 AM
Amazing distortion of Facts
This reminds me of the arabs
in Jenin faking a funeral
with a false corps for the media.
Many in the media reported it as
TRUTH until a video was shown
of the FAKE FUNERAL. All of
a sudden, they changed their tune !
(35) Dustin Deeks, August 20, 2002 12:00 AM
News as a commodity
I do not find this misreporting surprising at all. U.S. media, as I have learned from a History of Broadcasting class, is run like a business. The aim of the U.S. media corporations is not to be factual/objective, but to bring in a profit. This picture with a fabricated caption is yet another example.
(34) Anonymous, July 4, 2002 12:00 AM
Unbelievable! I had not known of this twisting of facts until now. But I am not surprised at the NY Times. You cannot trust them for the real story. They are a sorry excuse for a "news"paper. They need some journalists and not propaganda spinners. Shame on them. As an American I am ashamed they are in my country. Freedom is not freedom to lie.
(33) Anonymous, June 16, 2002 12:00 AM
Why is this news? The NYTimes (the paper of record) has apoor record of honest reporting.
Why is this news? The NYTimes (the paper of record) has apoor record of honest reporting.
(32) Eileen Marrinan, May 7, 2002 12:00 AM
Israel's Trial by Media
I am student of journalism, studying in Australia. From day one, every student is taught to adhere to a code of ethics that encompasses fair and accurate reporting. That the New York Times et al could blunder so apallingly beggars belief!!! Not one reporter, photographer checked facts or even tried to get a name? Were they all so confused they weren't even sure of where they were? They THOUGHT they were at the Temple Mount?? NO MEDIA could be that careless or stupid.
Therefore one concludes that this was a DELIBERATE distortion of the truth, especially when confronted with the tepid correction by The Times and the continued reprinting by other media outlets.
Let us be clear about the agenda-to portray Israel in the most distasteful role possible-not only by the US media, but the global media.
Tuvia,God has used what was bad and turned it to good. What happened to you and the blatantly bias manner in which it was used, may cause the scales to fall from the eyes of deceived people.It may cause them to question, think and access what they see and hear, bringing them into a knowledge of the truth about Israel.
Shalom
Eileen
(31) Dorothy Gardiner, May 3, 2002 12:00 AM
Why the rest of the world doesn't wonder about the lack of sympathy in the Arab world for the Palestines by offering them shelter, food and clothing is beyond me! If they would take the time to read our Torah or prayer books they would know that Judiaism preach peace and not war or hate!
The children of Arabs must be caught young to teach them the truth. Unfortuately, their parents were brought up to hate and so on, and so on.
I wouldn't trust Arafat at all and I believe the Israelis are giving up (and I'm not referring to land) much more that the Palestines!
(30) Naureen Nonak, April 23, 2002 12:00 AM
Don't Believe it.
Just another big Jewish conspiracy to divert blame on Palestinians. When you stop oppressing Palestinians, maybe a chance for peace might exist.
(29) jeremy Compton, April 21, 2002 12:00 AM
Radio Programme on Tuvia Grossman's assault
http://www.israelnationalradio.com/metafiles/asx/eng/perm/ap-tuvia-grossman.asx
I thought this was very interesting about the story behind this sad incident.
I think this show's a bias in the Media against the Israeli's
(28) Clay Evans, April 11, 2002 12:00 AM
Thank you
Thank you for publishing Tuvia Grossman's story. I had heard nothing of this (despite being a reader of The New York Times, oddly) until the publisher of a local weekly paper (Boulder, Colorado, USA) wrote about the misunderstanding. I have been to Israel, and it disturbs me greatly to see the rise of anti-Semitism and reflexive "progressive" support for the Palestinians, with no equivalent attention paid to the violence against Israelis.
Thanks again.
(27) Anonymous, April 1, 2002 12:00 AM
Mr. Grossman's article is the perfect example, although a tragic one, of the bias of media regarding the intifada. For one of my classes, I have to pick an issue I feel strongly about, argue it, and come up with ideas for how to affect the issue. Mr. Grossman's tale has really affected me personally, his heroism and triumph phsically, then overcoming being a media pawn. I love the last line, Who are the innocent victims and who are the aggressors? The truth is often the opposite of how it appears.
(26) Daniel Hennessy, February 26, 2002 12:00 AM
The effects of media bias against Israel reached the point of propaganda some time ago. The effect upon people I know - teaching colleagues, friends, relatives - is disturbing. In the absence of grassroots movements: local presentations, letters to the editor, etc, it is hard to predict the effect that this propaganda may ultimately have on Americans. I am inspired to do my share having read your (Tuvia's) story. I will do my part. Shalom.
(25) Barry Walker, February 13, 2002 12:00 AM
Another pathetic example of American journalism
It seems that there are three groups in the world today that never catch a break from the U.S.media types- Christians, Jewish citizens of Israel, and American conservatives. Fortunately, things are changing (Fox News Network, Rush ,NewsMax etc.) for the better.Turn off CBS,NBC,and ABC!
(24) Anonymous, February 2, 2002 12:00 AM
FOR ONCE THE TRUTH CAME OUT
When I first saw this photo and learned what had happened I wasn't the least bit surprised. There is such an anti-Israeli bias in the press in America. I can't figure out why that is other than to attribute it to a Satanic force working overtime to destroy the people of the Book. I am so glad that in this case you survived and TRUTH prevaled. Unfortunately that only happens about 10 percent of the time. Shalom
(23) Kate Brophy, January 13, 2002 12:00 AM
You were saved
Sometimes it is hard to have faith when things are going so wrong. You were on your way to the Wall on erev rosh hashanah...i can't believe it. i applaud your struggle and that you had teh consciousness to escape, say the Shema, and tell your painful story.
hopefully if there are more misprints like that they will be set striaght because i'd hate to see world opinion shift any farther from the plight of the Jewish people.
(22) Anonymous, November 28, 2000 12:00 AM
Thank you for showing us courage
The courage you had to withstand your true enemies and the strength and belief in G-d is truly amazing. May G-d bless you and may the scream that you screamed when being attacked reach heaven and put an end to our troubles very soon.
(21) Anonymous, November 14, 2000 12:00 AM
Media is very biased in reporting
It is evident from the soldier's eyes that he is not directing his attention at Tuvia, but rather at someone some distance away. I was not influenced by the photo's caption, but rather looked at the photo itself. Unfortunately, many people are gut reactors, without a discerning bone in their bodies. Look at the face. Tuvia is relieved!!! Look at the eyes. The soldier is NOT looking at Tuvia, but rather at the persons who perpetrated this act! Look in the background at the sign! I've NEVER seen a sign like this anywhere near the Temple Mount. Just what does that sign say anyway? Could it be...gas station?But, then again, I look at MANY things different than others.
I'm glad you are all right Tuvia, and may G-d bless you for your courage!
(20) Alejandra Zimmerman, November 10, 2000 12:00 AM
This is atrocity.
What the media is doing not only in this case, but in most of what they say about Israel is just to justify the Palestinians. My first language is Spanish there for I also check what is said in the speaking Spanish Media. I don't go along with what this type of information is done, my husband and I have friends in Israel so we make sure to know trought them what is happening.
Is sad how the New York times addressed that picture.
(19) Anonymous, November 10, 2000 12:00 AM
Who's zoomin' who?
Tuvia, you couldn't be more right in asking who the victims really are, here. All we have to ask ourselves is, who's calling for the removal of whom from Jerusalem and incidentally the entire area? This, of course, is a rhetorical question since everyone knows the Jewish people are perfectly willing to coexist with their neighbors, if only they'd leave them alone.
(18) Louis Barr, November 10, 2000 12:00 AM
Remarkable
Refuah Shelaimah, you have added another inspirational story to the history of our People and that of Mankind.
(17) Allan Levine, November 10, 2000 12:00 AM
Tuvia's rescue will allow one more voice to be heard.
The press/media superficiality and irresponsibility in its coverage and reporting (aside from some intentional duplicity in support of anti-Israel and/or anti-Jewish agendas)is clearly displayed by the egregious blunder of TV commentators, e.g. Jennings (ABC), Brokaw (NBC), CNN and other's erroneous and premature projections of who is the winner in the U. S. Presidential race based on Florida's projected elction returns. It would be great if either the FCC or the U. S. Congress were to issue rules or legislation that impose real penalties for this and other irresponsible and misleading reporting.
(16) Anonymous, November 9, 2000 12:00 AM
we will prevail against all odds with g-ds help
try as they may the nations of the world have never and will never be able to destroy the jews. when will they ever learn? all they do is destroy themselves i.e. Egyptians,romans, spain, nazis ... etc. where they today? destroyed but as twain said "the jew survives"
(15) Anonymous, November 8, 2000 12:00 AM
Dear Tuvia,
Refuah Shlaima
This was a very good article and should be sent to every paper that printed the miscaptioned photo. Thank you for sharing your story.
(14) Annette Baumgard, November 8, 2000 12:00 AM
Shocking!
As a former journalist I am deeply troubled that a respected news agency didn't get the facts right. More disturbing would be the thought that perhaps it wasn't a mistake!
(13) Lisa Friedman, November 7, 2000 12:00 AM
Refuah Shlaima
Dear Tuvia,
My son (Pinchas) is a first year student at Bais Yisrael, and told us about your terrible attack. We have been following it in the media since then, and have been quite dismayed. The Baltimore Sun printed your picture with the wrong caption after it had already been retracted by the New York Times! Your article needs to sent to all the top U.S. newspapers.
But my main message is, Refuah Shlaima. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
(12) Gretchen Barker, November 6, 2000 12:00 AM
Time for US Christians to register complaint of bias to news sources
Talk about insult to injury. The Lord bless you and your family. Christians in the US are beginning to receive the truth via the internet. I believe it is time to make a "loud noise" regarding the bias and lies in our press. Keep telling, and printing the news as it happens. If enough cry out, the noise will be heard. Shalom
(11) Anonymous, November 6, 2000 12:00 AM
I am proud
I am proud of people like you Tuvia, because you did not lose hope and your story is a story about miracle. And I am sure, that you photo would not be published, if they knew you are Jewish. I am sory about your pain especially knowledge of misuse of your picture.
(10) Anonymous, November 6, 2000 12:00 AM
Thank's to D´d you are all right
It is good to know about the true history by you. You must send it to as many as possible. I am going to translate it to spanish and do my part, sending it by email. M.R.
(9) Paul Velasquez, November 6, 2000 12:00 AM
Media as tool of manipulation
The recent case of Tuvia Grossman portrayed as a Palestinian (by Assoc. Press,New york Times or others,) been attacked by a Israeli soldier,is not just a journalist error,but a bad intentioned act,using the media as a tool of propaganda.
Palestinians don't have the militar power to face Israel,so they need the help of the world media to portray themselves as victims,even the media labeling the stone throwers(and snipers)as "David" and Israeli defenses as "Goliath" is no only stupid,but show a gross ignorance of the biblical true.
Israel defenses,with all the military power capabilities today,is the same old David,with a higher power.
(8) Anonymous, November 6, 2000 12:00 AM
submit this to news media
I hope that Tuvia submits this article to every news media in the US and abroad. After the injustice that was done, the only way to somewhat correct the wrong is to print this article!
(7) Anonymous, November 5, 2000 12:00 AM
Best Wishes and Thank You
Tuvia,
You have many friends in distant places who are happy to see that you are recovering well. Your courage has been exemplary.
May we see Israel's vindication in the near future.
Shalom
(6) David Scop, November 5, 2000 12:00 AM
Thank You for Sharing your painfull experience
Thank you. May your words reach the heavenly gates and answered appropriately.
(5) Anonymous, November 5, 2000 12:00 AM
Inspiration
I was so inspired by reading the account Tuvia Grossman gives of his attack. How a Biblical 'Story' gave him the idea that led to his life being spared. Wow. Nothing short of a miracle happened here.
(4) Lisa Genstil, November 5, 2000 12:00 AM
Thank you Tuvia for speaking out
This must have been very hard for you to write, but thank you so much for having done so. I hope that this article becomes at least as widely circulated as that terrible photo. Refuah Sheleima, Tuvia.
(3) Robert Blau, November 5, 2000 12:00 AM
Moved by Tuvia's Courage, Faith
Tuvia's story is so moving. I am inspired by his inner strength summoning up that last burst of energy to flee the lynch mob. Also his remembering to say the Shema, which is certainly not easy while surrounded by to-the-death enemies of the Jewish people. Finally, it is always courageous to proclaim a truth when it contravenes conventional wisdom and opinions held by the high and mightly. But the truth is an absolute, and should never be sacrificed for some journalist-weenie's preconceived notion of "even-handedness," or worse, anti-semitic bias. Extreme situations bring out the best or worst in people; in Tuvia's case it brought out genuine heroism. We, the Jewish people, are all strengthened by his having survived this ordeal.
(2) Nolan Houghtling, November 5, 2000 12:00 AM
The Need to Speak Out
Thank you for telling your story. Indeed there is a media war against Israel and the Jews. It is important for everyone to speak out loudly and confront the purveyors of lies. The lack of ethics in the media in the effort to get a "good story" is an insult to all. Only by putting the media on the defense will they change their ways. When the truth is told Israel has nothing to fear.
(1) Frances (Rachav) Makarova, November 5, 2000 12:00 AM
Finally to hear from a Jewish victim instead of media lies.
I have an email list reporting about the Intifada, I have notified people on this list about this website.
How is Tuvia recuperating? Has his leg heal properly?
My prayers are with Israel at this time of trouble! May Moshiach come soon.
Frances (Rachav)
Check out this web site!
http://www.geocities.com/rachav/netzarim.html