Every media outlet has its own stylebook, designed to be as fair and impartial as possible. These days, however, it often seems like the Palestinian Minister of Information is publishing and distributing his stylebook to dozens of newspapers and media outlets.
Since September 2000, a new de facto "stylebook" has emerged for reporters covering the Palestinian violence against Israel. In some cases, the "new rules for reporting" are based on actual policies promulgated by news organizations and editors.
Though elements of "pack journalism" are evident, there are probably no conspiratorial hands behind the emergence of this de facto stylebook. For the most part, reporters and correspondents have informally, perhaps even subconsciously, adopted these guidelines.
Invariably, the new rules are biased against Israel.
For now, the bias appears to have had little impact on American public opinion regarding Israel. In Europe, the stronger, more strident anti-Israel tone of much of the media may be having a different impact.
Following are eight new "rules" for reporters covering the Middle East, as distilled from hundreds of articles covering the recent violence:
Rule 1. Sensationalize the intensity and scope of Israeli military actions.
Call the Israeli actions "aggressive," "devastating" or "intensive." [CNN, April 16] Refer to Israeli incursions into Palestinian territory as "deep," even when they involve only 300 yards. [The New York Times, April 14]
On the other hand, refer to Palestinian mortar attacks as "ineffective" or "falling harmlessly" even though the intent of the mortar teams is malevolent.
Rule 2. Whitewash Palestinian acts of violence.
No longer label Palestinian bombings and shootings of Jewish civilians as "terrorism," nor the perpetrators as "terrorists." Label the perpetrators as "militants" or "activists." [Associated Press, BBC; CNN, The Guardian, et. al, March 27] Even bombs planted in the middle of Israeli marketplaces are not classified as "terrorism."
Reporters may make exceptions to the rule when their own " ox is being gored." For example, in referring to Irish bombers as "terrorists," the BBC's News Online declares: "It has long been the policy of the domestic service to refer to terrorists in Northern Ireland... but the policy of the World Service is not to refer to anyone in those terms." According to BBC Newshour duty editor Maya Fish, "In BBC World Service reporting the word 'terrorist' is not used, no matter who plants bombs, kills or murders."
Rule 3. Blame it on the settlements.
Mitigate Palestinian aggression and attacks by labeling Israeli victims as "settlers" and the locations of the attacks as "settlements" or "occupied territories." Label the Jerusalem neighborhoods of Gilo and French Hill as "settlements" and "settler enclaves" -- even though they have been part of Jerusalem for 30 years and house tens of thousands of middle class Jewish families. [CNN, Reuters, AP, and others]. When possible, call Israeli towns within the Green Line, such as Sderot, "settlements," as well. [Guardian, April 17].
Further, refer to all Jewish victims in the territories as "settlers" -- whether a 14-year-old boy or a 10-month-old baby.
Label Israeli residents in areas of Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza as some new non-civilian entity, as in The New York Times’ reference to Israeli "soldiers, settlers and civilians." [March 10]
Rule 4. Deprecate Israeli leaders; sympathize with Arafat.
Always refer to Ariel Sharon as "hard-line," "war criminal," "vilified by Arabs," or "The Bulldozer."
Never refer to Yasser Arafat as "the former terrorist" or bellicose, corrupt, or despotic. Whenever possible, solicit sympathy by referring to Arafat's old age or as "Parkinson's-haunted" [The Independent, UK, April 17, 2001]
Rule 5. Blame Israel for all Palestinian casualties.
Blame Israel, whether for "work accidents" in Palestinian bomb factories, Palestinian demonstrators hit by Palestinian snipers aiming at Israeli soldiers, or Arabs injured in Israeli crowds during a suicide bomb or bus bombing.
Arab auto accidents may also be blamed on Israel. In early October 2000, several stories blamed Israelis for the beating death of Issam Judeh Mustafa Hamed. On November 2, pathologists brought in by the Palestinian Authority, concluded that Issam Judeh died in a traffic accident. It is unknown how many of the Palestinian "martyrs" died of natural causes, accidents, or intra-Palestinian fighting.
In addition, refer frequently to Palestinian children as traumatized, orphaned, killed or severely injured -- even if at the hand of Palestinians' own bombs and bullets. Make no mention of Israeli children also victimized by Palestinian attacks
Rule 6. Active and passive verb usage.
Use active verbs to describe Palestinian casualties -- i.e. Palestinians are "shot dead" or "gunned down" by Israeli soldiers.
On the other hand, use passive verbs to avoid blaming Palestinians for Israeli casualties. Say that shooting " broke out." The headline reporting 10-month old Shalhevet Pass shot and killed by a Palestinian sniper read: "Jewish Toddler Dies in West Bank." [Associated Press, March 26]
When possible, juxtapose two deaths, blaming the Israeli's for one death, and leaving the Palestinian blame unstated. For example: "During clashes near the West Bank village of Dura, an 11-year-old Palestinian boy was shot dead by Israeli troops. One report said the boy had been watching Israeli soldiers and Palestinian gunman exchange fire when he was hit in the chest. On Monday, a 10-month-old Israeli baby was killed by gunfire in nearby Hebron." [BBC, March 27]
Rule 7. Offset an Israeli death by mentioning some unrelated Palestinian death.
Offset a Palestinian atrocity such as a bus bombing, by reporting on the tragic Palestinian death of an elderly woman or child, even if the Palestinian death occurred long before.
In reporting on the shocking discovery of two butchered Israeli teens near Tekoa, the CNN article entitled "Two Israeli teenagers found dead" carried a photo underneath the headline of a Palestinian baby shot and buried earlier in the week. [May 9]
On May 1, CNN reported: "An Israeli was killed and another injured in shooting attacks on West Bank roads Tuesday. The attacks followed explosions and clashes in Gaza and the West Bank which claimed seven Palestinian lives." This was reported even though the fatal explosions in Gaza were a "work accident’ in a Palestinian bomb factory.
Rule 8. Invoke Arabic terms for holy sites.
Use Arabic terms for holy sites, even if the Jewish term is standard reference in any encyclopedia, university textbook, diplomatic document, or other acceptable Western source.
Avoid referring to the Temple Mount as "Judaism's holiest site," or "as the Jewish capital for 3,000 years." References to the Temple Mount should be qualified as mere claims, e.g.: "which Israel claims to have been the site of the First and Second Temple." [New York Times]
Preferably refer to the Temple Mount as "Haram al Sharif, the third-holiest Moslem site," or "the holiest Moslem site in Jerusalem." By contrast, never refer to Hebron, where the Jewish matriarchs and patriarchs are buried, as "Judaism's second-holiest site," nor to the Tomb of Rachel near Bethlehem as "Judaism's third-holiest site."
When necessary, drudge up obscure Arabic terms, such as referring to Jaffa Gate, the main western entrance to Jerusalem's Old City, as "Bab al-Khalil." [CNN, January 8, 2001]
Conclusion.
While not a "conspiracy," an anti-Israel press "convention" has emerged, and clear biases are evident.
What will this stylebook look like in another six months? It all depends on the outcome of this ongoing battle of the media war.
Excerpted from remarks made before the American Jewish Committee's Annual Meeting in Washington D.C., May 1, 2001.
(67) Denise O'Neill, March 3, 2003 12:00 AM
I live in France and intend to translate your article to be able to give it to friends. We have a group called EMET (the truth) which sends out information and articles we feel people should read. We have a mailing list of over 100 people. I will of course give your address to tell people where to go for more good info.
(66) Terry Mendoza, March 2, 2003 12:00 AM
clear and incisive
Your article hits the nail on the head. Congratulations!
(65) Mick McGowan, September 11, 2001 12:00 AM
welcome to day one of WW3
The news today should shift world opinion permanently in your favour. If it doesn't, anything can, probably will, and probably should happen. The differences between the Judeo-Christian world view and the views of the enemy, and let's be clear about that word, for that is what they have chosen to be, cannot be reconciled. You can pick up any Arab language newspaper here in my city (Calgary, far removed from the action)and read statements which would be punishable as hate crimes if I said them. It is commonly stated in the media that these kinds of actions represent the small but extreme elements of Islam, but this is demonstrably false. Anyone who can read can discover this, anywhere in North America. I am ashamed of my own country for being tentative in its support of Israel and limp-wristed in allowing anybody from anywhere through our borders. When the barbaric actions of today are investigated, I believe that Canada will be found to be a conduit for the terrorists into the US. The US needs to act unambiguously to crush the individuals and regimes responsible for harbouring these brutal lunatics, and that should include, if required, my own country. Our enemies live amoung us as welcome guests. The North-American societal values of multi-culturalism and tolerance are not shared by all of us, and I think we should stop kidding ourselves about it.
(64) paul brooks, July 8, 2001 12:00 AM
this is an outstanding article.
Thank you for this article. It is accurate and well written. I will pass it around. PB
(63) Anonymous, June 16, 2001 12:00 AM
great article-how do we work to combat the injustice
The article spells out clearly the media situation I've been seeing. What can we as American Jews do "enforce" to be affective in combating the media bias that is harming Israel and the Jewish people. There is no leadership organizing the community. I'm in touch with friends but we need to become more powerful. It is shocking that propaganda is becoming "news."
(62) Gennady Shenker, June 15, 2001 12:00 AM
Finally! We can reverse the results of the media war!
Finally!! Good job!.. One thing however. This and similar pieces are reaching people who understand the situation as it is. How can we distribute to people whos opinions are influenced by the current unfair media coverage?
It's time to begin boycott papers that use sources of unfair information.
I've canceled my subscription to Chicago Tribune 3 years ago, by calling its International Editor. Can we mobilize people to do the same with Chicago Sun-Times, New York Times, etc. At the same time suggest support to media sources with fair coverage, like Wall Street Journal...
Finaly, let's give credit where it belongs. Arabs do a wonderful, masterful job playing media, which gladly goes along...
We can change it!
(61) Anonymous, June 13, 2001 12:00 AM
This is silly
Dear Folks,
The other side also feels the media is unfair to it. Can they both be right? Is it a matter of splitting the difference? I don't think so. Israel is the most powerful party. We do not have to accept our dead stoicly but lets not for a moment forget that Israel is the occupier. The Israeli police and army have killed hundreds of rioters... people with stones.
The Israeli dead are dead. There is no justification for their murders but nevertheless, we will not break the Palestinians until we withdraw from what is left of Palestine i.e. the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem. We will not 'swallow' the Palestinians and they will not be beaten into submission. The press has on the whole been very kind to Israel.
(60) Anonymous, June 9, 2001 12:00 AM
Good Summary of the Many-headed Bias Beast!
Thank you.
I am saving this article. It is an excellent reference - incorporating all of my observations - and including many, many more blatant examples.
BTW:
What Is going on??? Why does the Press refuse to investigate and expose the truth about this irrefutable slant?
(59) Ilya Zwieback, June 8, 2001 12:00 AM
These are very right things indeed, but where are the eloquent Israeli representatives. It looks like Israel just all but retracted from the battle for public opinion. I watched one high-ranking Israeli diplomat speking on C-Span, it was such a pathetic sight. Send sympathetic and articulate women to the US, I am sure they will change the situation overnight.
(58) Anonymous, June 7, 2001 12:00 AM
The bias in the media is so obvious, especially in the European media like the BBC, which I watch and am infuriated by every night. This bias is not just dangerous because it affects world opinion. Jews around the world are also lapping up these twisted reports of the events in Israel. I am a moderately right wing Jew, and I am amazed - or perhaps I should say horrified - when nearly every liberal American Jew I talk to seems personally offended by my views! An astounding number of Jewish people truly believe that Palestinians in Judea and Samaria are under some sort of cruel occupation by the Israelis. The media has warped the minds of Jews so that we feel guilt over our presence in the Land of Israel! How can we ever stand up to Arab terrorism and belligerence when we believe their lies, which are somehow legitimized when they are repeated by the Western media?
(57) Anonymous, June 7, 2001 12:00 AM
I agree
I couldn't agree more with the above article. It turns my stomach when I listen to CNN. Why is this happening? I don't think it's just antisemitism. It must be something else, but what?
(56) chen jen, June 6, 2001 12:00 AM
new rules worse in france/europe
replace in the french press "settlements" by "colonies" (with all its connotations of colonialism) and "settlers" with "colons" (id). also only film actions from the palestinian side. finally comment on "israeli violence and intransigeance"...
--
chenjen@mac.com
Shelo e`had bil:vad `amad `aleinu l:khaloteinu
(55) Luciano Dalle Molle, June 5, 2001 12:00 AM
This article is a key for a correct reading, interpretation and meditation. The peace is so far. Defence of Israeli image and policy is now a priority!
That's why you are great! Todà rabà!
(54) , June 3, 2001 12:00 AM
After reading this article, an then watching the evening news(USA)the bias is clearly evident. The reason for the Palestinian "coup" of the media is they regard him as a "saint" wanting peace. The truth is and always will be that Arafat is a terrorist and will stop at nothing to destroy the Holy Land.
(53) Anna Hasidi, June 3, 2001 12:00 AM
Everything this article says is so true!
(52) Anonymous, June 3, 2001 12:00 AM
So True!!!
I've sent emails to CNN concerning this prejudicial reporting, so I believe that there have probably been thousands of others or have done the same. I watch Fox News and get better news, but I still have to go to the internet to get real details.
The fact that I haven't heard any news of the Annual Meeting spoken of above or of these remarks are just one more example.
(51) Michael Semper, June 2, 2001 12:00 AM
So true............
I have seen the Palestinian's outrageous remarks about the great state of Israel for years. One thing though; you are being way too easy of them. They should not be allowed to print newspapers!
(50) Stephen Worden, June 2, 2001 12:00 AM
American sentiment is shifting
I agree with every observervation except one --- American sentiment and political predisposition towards Israel has, I believe, turned away from our history of close support. The tone and nature of our (US) government relations has cracks now, and there is a "distancing," I find, in our former position of strong political, economic, and financial support.
Regrettably, I also agree that there is no concerted effort in the US to foster this departure from our past. But the rate of change appears to be increasing. Personally, I find this very sad as I believe one of the reasons G-d has been kind to America is because of our love for Israel and our love for Jews. It is painful for me to watch my country walking out from under the protective veil of "I will bless those that bless you, and curse those that curse you."
(49) Mel Saltzman, June 1, 2001 12:00 AM
I agree that most media is biased against Israel.
Your analysis is right on the money.
Is there some way of publicizing this bias in reporting to: TV news/journalism societies; news ethics committies; journalism departments in universities, etc. to further elevate the issue?
(48) Bob Nechin, May 31, 2001 12:00 AM
Unfortunately this is not a new phenomenon in reporting about the Israel/ Arab conflict. Why, however, the Israeli government has not learned from the example of the past and prepared a much more aggressive response to the media war is beyond me.
(47) Monika Kaufmann, May 31, 2001 12:00 AM
Shock and sadness
It strikes me that even the BBC is biased by now. It has a name for being absolutely impartial and fair. I can't understand why the Palstinians have gained so much influence on international media.
Regards
Monika
(46) Judah Lieblich, May 31, 2001 12:00 AM
Your coverage of the media and how they show Israel to be is very good, but I want to be able to show everyone, not just people who come on this site, the truth about the issue.
(45) Anonymous, May 31, 2001 12:00 AM
When it is not a conspiracy then it is pro Palestinian reporting
I was very glad to read about this topic. I already have seen it for some time now. I believe that these comments are stirring further violence and in some places anti-Isreali feeling among the public. It seems that the world media is using the same propaganda medium as in times of war when they have chosen the 'good guys'. For example the 'Iraqi war'; 'the Bosnian conflict'; 'the Yugoslavian war'. It it is sad that the media can manipulate the world while the normal person on the street have to bear the conseqeunces.
(44) Anonymous, May 31, 2001 12:00 AM
Words make all the difference
Generaly, the reporting of the Israeli-Palestinian troubles has been better and less overtly palestinian biased on ITV than that of other news networks. I would, however like to bring into focus the use of language and phrasiology that perhaps subconciously creeps into reporting.
"Deaths threaten Middle East truce bid" reads todays (31/5/01) headline. This sounds like fighting on both sides and implies a bi-lateral ceasefire. Without bias, the headline should read "Palestinians shoot Elderly Israeli but Israel stands by its unilateral ceacefire commitment".
Those are the facts so why aren't ITV reporting them?
(43) Ethel Fenig, May 31, 2001 12:00 AM
Whe-e-e-e-e! You're so right!
Don't confine this to this site as you're preaching to the converted. Send it to ALL the news outlets.
And let's not forget that some of this distortion is premeditated--recall the negative consequences when some Italian journalists inadverdently broadcast pictures of the Arabs joyfully lynching the Israeli soldiers.
(42) Charles Feldman, May 31, 2001 12:00 AM
Lets Do Something About it!
Each and every one of us must do something about the biased reporting. This article is a good template for things to complain about. Cut and past from it if you don't like to write your own, but do something!
Everytime we read a biased article we must follow up with phone calls letters and e-mails.
Lets "scream" about these outrages until we cannot or do not have to anymore !
(41) Anonymous, May 31, 2001 12:00 AM
Bias Extends to Encyclopedias, Atlasas & Dictionaries
Unfortunately Biases of this sort also are common in many books like dictionaries, etc - See American Heritage Dictionary and other popular reference books on how they describe Israel. Basically Media Anti-Semitism in Disguise.
(40) Anonymous, May 31, 2001 12:00 AM
I'd been aware of the media bias, but I attributed it to malevolence, not mere convention. See the excellent recent article on the subject in Commentary magazine, written by a female journalist, about how skewed the reporting is, and why. Your article is lacking in failing to discuss the "why."
(39) Daniel, May 31, 2001 12:00 AM
Palestinians threaten reporters
One major component of the incredible bias against Israel is the fact that Palestinian terrorists often threaten the lives of foreign correspondents to distort the truth and portray the Palestinians in a positive light. The reporters have a choice: Honest reporting or a bullet in the head.
(38) Julia Turner, May 31, 2001 12:00 AM
Slanted news very obvious
I have noticed in many articles in the Kansas City Star they refer to Israel's Holy sites by Arab names and did wonder what was going on. Thanks for giving it straight.
(37) Anonymous, May 30, 2001 12:00 AM
Media Objectivity
Now I can show my friends why I boycott CNN! Thank you so much for putting this information out there for the public.
(36) Anonymous, May 30, 2001 12:00 AM
Ben-David hits the nail on the head.
The article "New Rules for Middle East Reporting" hits the nail on the head. The overwhelming anti-Israel bias seen in most of the international media is the cumulative effect of a myriad of often small, subtle details. The effect is insidiously subliminal in many cases, table thumpingly obvious in others. The important thing is to take a leaf out of Ben-David's book by resisting the temptation to see "conspiracies". The sad irony is that most journalists - Jewish and gentile - honestly and sincerely believe that they are reporting the Arab-Jewish conflict fairly and accurately. It will require the consistent efforts of people like Ben-David to try to offset some of the bias. We need to emulate his cool, calm, rational and well-researched methods in internet chat rooms, discussion forums, and letters to editors and political representatives to ensure that something approximating the truth is available in the mainstream public debate. Finally - and most importantly - we must not be disiullusioned by the seeming lack of effect of our efforts. The Arabs are reaping the profits of years of consistent investment in propaganda. It will take years of similar efforts to redress the balance: "You are not required to complete the task, yet you are not free to withdraw from it."
(35) , May 30, 2001 12:00 AM
You know...You're right
I never looked at news reports this way before. You are correct. The reports are definitely slanted. Whether on purpose or by accident, these slants need to be corrected.
(34) Anonymous, May 30, 2001 12:00 AM
media guilty of be accessories to murder
I have felt for a long time that by the media taking Arafat's side they are guilty of being accessories to murder.If the media told the truth about Arafat, he would stop the violence. He is being egged on by getting "good" press. The media cannot be so stupid as to believe their own lies. They are afraid of what will happen to them if they told the truth.
(33) Harriet J. Brown, May 30, 2001 12:00 AM
Outrage
This is a total outrage. I have never seen such Israel bashing. Whatever Arabs do to Jews, they say, "because......". Whatever Jews do in retaliation, the call a moral outrage.
(32) Anonymous, May 29, 2001 12:00 AM
American Press is Anti-Israel?
The American Press is run and controlled by American Jewish pro-Israel. Your comments are unbelievable.
Is there a rule that says everything said in every newspaper must be pro-Israel? Can't Israel be criticized? Is the state of Israel a God?
(31) Anonymous, May 29, 2001 12:00 AM
Israel needs a better , more assertive PR person, someone outspoken and not a wimp
i agree totally with your analysis. thank goodness I've learned to read between the lines along time ago. It's enough to give someone a ulcer!
(30) Anonymous, May 29, 2001 12:00 AM
Great Story
Exactly what i thought was happening. I am glad to see this is getting out to the public. I wich NBC and the other major networks would have the courage to tell this story to the World!
(29) Menashe Bovit, May 29, 2001 12:00 AM
well done, insightful, ..thank you!
Your research needs to be more well known. you have skillfully articulated what so many have us have observed with distress for some time.
(28) Gershom May, May 29, 2001 12:00 AM
Preaching to the choir.
After reading the messages I get from a variety of Jewish sources. It appears your also preaching to the choir.
Some of these sources are now beginning to complain that that is the case.
I have tried to enter as many CNN, MSN or other sites that seek responses to negative Israeli questions posed as I can.
I find most of them well covered with what appear to be Palestinian/Arab orchestrated and organized professionals
who do nothing but search for these sites.
There is a trickle of Jewish retorts. And, often these are little more than the kind of responses found on some of the ugly chat sites.
Why are there not more powerful Jewish organizations like Aish -- putting aside what appear to be turf wars, and combing funds and efforts, with think tanks to come up with ways to get the Jewish community to flex it's muscle and boycott sponsors, corporations, who support CNN, MSN, NY Times, etc.
Who know how to access and lobby the senior policy makers at these organizations.
Or, as I understand it from an article by Naomi Ragen in the Jerusalem Post back in March 01, get our wealth together, and buy into these organizations like the Royal Saudi Family.
Also, it is time to send a message to our secular leaders and force them to abandon secular style leadership, and faintheartedness -- and opt for what we should be standing proudly for.
Jewish Heritage given to us by Hashem.
(27) Ron Remba, May 29, 2001 12:00 AM
Point of view: better a lexicon for readers than for writers
I thought your article would give a slightly more useful reading if instead of giving a style book for writers, you actually published a lexicon that would enable readers of news texts to "read between the lines". I've heard that "reading between the lines" is most Russians' third language after English
For example, when you read news phrases (A) replace them in your mind with (B)
(A) Haram al Sharif
(B) Temple Mount
(A) Third holiest site in Islam
(B) Holiest site to Jews
(A) agressive Israeli
(B) an Israeli who responded to a physical attack by defending himself (and he wasn't too injured to do so)
Otherwise, I enjoyed your article.
Ron Remba
(26) Oleg Tomashevsky, May 29, 2001 12:00 AM
No conspiracy
It's very comforting to assume there's no conspiracy but the media has gone too far to make me believe that they are all lying independently.
(25) David King, May 29, 2001 12:00 AM
With selected editing you can show any bias you wish.
Writers and editors look for a variety of ways to express what they are reporting. It seems that the author of this article has selected those varieties of expression which "prove" a bias toward Arabs and Palestinians. You could do the same thing and prove a bias toward Israel.
(24) Anonymous, May 29, 2001 12:00 AM
Right on
How come Israel does such a poor job of presenting this obvious bias to the public?
(23) Anonymous, May 29, 2001 12:00 AM
Anti Israel == At it's worst
There must be a way for all people not just Jews to know about this vicious propaganda. Let's work on it.....
(22) Robert Benda, May 29, 2001 12:00 AM
I believe this to be very accurate.
I'm a Christian that believes that the
land God promised to Abraham,Issac,and
Jabob is their land. It does not matter
what the world says. I also believe that if Israel would stand her ground on this promise, that the Lord God of
Israel would stand by Israel. He is the same All-Powerful God that Moses knew.
I believe that the Leaders of Israel
have forgotten those promises and the
power of their God.
(21) Jennifer Ionescu, May 29, 2001 12:00 AM
May HaShem protect Am Yisroel!
Dear Mr. Ben-David,
Thank you for boldly stating the truth of the media bias against Israel. We are American gentiles. My husband is Romanian-born. Please know that we do not regard the loss of Jewish lives as trivial. We are not fooled or influenced by the cold manner in which Israeli deaths are reported by the media. I have often watched my husband wipe tears from his cheeks after hearing of yet another Jewish death in Israel.
We both long for the Jewish people to have peace and security in their own land. We both long for the temple to be rebuilt. May Hashem grant the Jewish people both their peace and the temple in our lifetimes. I only wrote you to ask you please to not give up hope. Without the Jewish people what hope is there in the world? I remember that the first word in the Torah is In the beginning and the last word in the Torah is Israel.
I wish that the love that we have for the Jewish people could somehow strengthen and comfort them. We are not people who want to convert the Jews to another religion. May the Jews live in peace and safety, keeping the laws of the Torah and avoiding all idolatry. How I wish that we knew what we could do to help. We do not understand how anyone could hate the Jewish people who follow such a religion of love and such a G-d of love. May Hashem help you! May He strengthen and protect you! Amen.
(20) Anonymous, May 29, 2001 12:00 AM
Send this to the world papers, and ask for their comment!!!!
This lets one truly see what the rest of the world is up to. The sad thing is that there is no one who stands up for us and portrays this correct perspective. WELL DONE!
(19) Anonymous, May 29, 2001 12:00 AM
Comment on Israeli Media story
Dear Mr. Ben-David,
This is the best article I have read regarding how the Media spins and distorts truth.
I have mailed this story to everyone I know. You see, even though you have written exclusively on the distortions regarding the coverage of Israeli affairs, this blatant disregard of truth is evident in MOST political journalism.
Thank you and God bless you for your courage to write this article.
(18) gavin koppel, May 29, 2001 12:00 AM
Reporting must be objective and not incite
We are praying for peace in the Middle East. Our hope is that Jew and Arab will live together in peace and harmony, please, for the sake of our children.
(17) Anonymous, May 29, 2001 12:00 AM
This should be included in every newspaper and should be aired right before every news broadcast.
Maybe then journalists will start reporting fairly and accurately w/o bias, they way journalism was meant to be.
(16) Amitai Amir, May 28, 2001 12:00 AM
excellent article
should be published on news websites such as cnn, bbc etc.
(15) Ron Honish, May 28, 2001 12:00 AM
Spot on!!
The press coverage is just a example of the increasing Godless culture of the world. The enemy was a liar from the beginning and the press has more and more willfully become his moouth piece.
(14) Anonymous, May 28, 2001 12:00 AM
Excellent
Excellent Article...didn't need to read it to know it's true but appreciate it on paper. This slant also applies to 99.9% of the media on 99.9% of the issues reported on.
(13) Patricia Trotter, May 28, 2001 12:00 AM
Open blind eyes
It is time Jews recognize that the liberal press and liberal Democrat party in the U> are not the friend of Israel. It is evident as you state above. It is time to recpgnize who our friends are by what they do and say. If one is honest we can see times have changed and so have our friends.
pt
(12) Server, May 28, 2001 12:00 AM
Anti-Semitism Grows....
Sad reality to see how professional journalism can go straight out the window just to glorify their own articles with half truths and lies. Even sadder is that only a select few can actually read between the lines to distinguish between fact and fiction.
A.B.
The virus of hate infects ignorant minds
(11) Fabio Joskowicz, May 28, 2001 12:00 AM
Excellent article
This bias reporting is going on for quite a while. It seems that there is a tacit understanding among the world press in this subject. Shows you, how the world has changed.
(10) , May 28, 2001 12:00 AM
Excellent obsvervations
The points made in this article are very important. The average and educated reader of mainstream media is being cheated out of real journalism. This has been going on for many years but is of high priority to be pointed out such as in this article. I am grateful for it.
(9) Anonymous, May 28, 2001 12:00 AM
Reveal Pro-Palestinian Correspondents Honoured By Hamas!
Within the past few days the public have received the revelation that Hamas has recently held a meeting in honour of approximately 140 International journalists, representing a wide spectrum of media outlets and publications.
The spokesman of this group, who just happened to be the Senior BBC Correspondent in Gaza, stated that the journalists ...‘are waging the campaign shoulder-to-shoulder together with the Palestinian people.'
Large numbers of observers, including myself, have had reason to complain on innumerable occasions about the pro-Palestinian nature of media reporting, the lack of media objectivity, selective omission and misrepresentation of the facts all in favour of the Palestinian side of this conflict.
It would be EXTREMELY interesting if someone in authority could obtain a list of these 140 journalists recently ‘honoured' by Hamas for their pro-Palestinian reporting, together with the News resources and publications that they represent. Such information would be absolutely priceless when accessing future reports about the crisis by these particular correspondents etc.. Forewarned is to be forearmed !
(8) Anonymous, May 28, 2001 12:00 AM
Till when? How blind can the media be? Open your eyes to reality!
I just forwarded this article to the following:
President of the United States
Vice President
Secretary of State
and to my son, the attorney.
(7) Florin Milea, May 28, 2001 12:00 AM
Right on
What a turn around. From the holocausts in Europe and Soviet Union, to portraying the enemy as a friend. I wish this truth would be out there in droves. Israel needs real friends, now perhaps more then ever.
(6) sabrina schwalb, May 27, 2001 12:00 AM
great article
it is nice to see that i am not the only one that feels that this is going on with the outside news media. for many years now i have only watched the BBC international news reports because it was the only one that ever showed both sides of the story and was less biased than the rest. but i have since stoped watching it for i found that it seemed to only show the palastinian side in depth, and belittled the israeli side of any conflict or tragidy. you would think that the world would have grown up enough by now to know the difference between right and wrong, and i don't think the news reports would be any different if it was us (the "jews") that were throwing the rocks and the arabs with the arms, we would still recieve the blame and be looked apon as the agressers. it has been this way for 5,000+ years and it will probly be this way for 5,000 more. G-d i am proud to be called a "jew". Shalom will happen some day (i just hope i live long enough to see it). "We will have peace when the arabs love thier children more than they hate us".
(5) Frank Schwartz, May 27, 2001 12:00 AM
Press Bias
It seems that anti-Israeli and anti-Jewish sickness still is going strong. It is deplorable that the International Press sees fit to report "news" based on their own agenda rather than non biased facts. One is often shocked to see how the Press can prostitute their art. Shocking, yes, but surprising...no. It has been going on for centuries. How long can madness and incredible bias continue?
(4) Anonymous, May 27, 2001 12:00 AM
Alleged Zionist Media Control
Hmmm, let's see. We supposedly control the mass communications media, and yet those media commonly show strong anti-Israel bias. Are we losing our touch?
(3) Diane Marino, May 27, 2001 12:00 AM
Prejudice in the media
You are ever so correct on this issue. It is truly worldwide effort to criminalize the Israeli people and look on blindfolded when it comes to the Arabs. An effort of the media, such as this, goes to show us all how controlled the "big" affliates are and the truth is not being reported.
Please keep on keeping on!
(2) serge golber, May 27, 2001 12:00 AM
This should be front page material in all media covering Middle East. Those who refuse publishing should be boycotted by Jews worldwide and at every possibility law suits should be brought up against this type of media. If we do not defend ourselves, nobody will.
(1) Ellis Elkins, May 27, 2001 12:00 AM
Thank You
Thank you for these examples of bias wording which are easily overlooked in news reports read quickly or watched without full attention paid to them.