The British public's perception of journalists has sunk so low that when I am asked in social situations what my job is, I am sometimes tempted to pretend I am part of a more respected profession -- like drug trafficking. I exaggerate, of course, but only a little. Most people view journalists as immoral liars who would sell our own grandmothers for a front-page scoop. I am an altogether softer writer, so when members of my profession publish sensationalist or intrusive stories, I don't sit and flog myself on their behalf.
However, when the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) passed a motion at its annual meeting to boycott Israel, I hung my head in utter shame and despair -- despite the fact that I am no longer an NUJ member. Those emotions of shame and despair were not joined by shock, though, because the British media has long been absorbed by a blind hatred of Israel. Newspapers like The Independent and The Guardian print editorials that are so biased and distorted that Osama Bin Laden would probably blush at them. The BBC refuses to describe suicide bombers who blow up buses full of schoolchildren as "terrorists" and one of its correspondents told a Hamas rally that he and his colleagues were "waging the campaign shoulder-to-shoulder with the Palestinian people".
I visited Israel for the first time last year to research some articles about tourism there. Within hours of my return I received a call from a journalist acquaintance who asked me with genuine shock: "What's all this about you going to Israel?" He said that a mutual journalist acquaintance of ours was "absolutely disgusted" with me for going there and that he hoped I was "going to put the boot in" when I wrote my articles.
These were not close acquaintances, I hadn't even spoken to one of them for nearly nine years and it must have taken them some digging around to find my telephone number. They obviously thought it was worth the trouble to have a dig at a writer who was friendly to Israel. Apparently the "absolutely disgusted" man -- a weekly columnist on a high-profile magazine -- has since tried to get an article published that claims that Tony Blair murdered Yasser Arafat.
'Those suicide bombers have got guts'
The evening after my return from Israel, I met up with some journalists for some drinks in the West End of London. I was again abused for my trip. Their hatred of Israel was matched only by their adoration of the Palestinians. One of them gushed: "Boy, those suicide bombers have got guts. I wish more people in the world had their courage." Another of them erupted when I told him that most people in Israel wanted a peaceful settlement to the conflict. "So why," he asked, "did they murder their most peaceful Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu?"
Well, I guess if you're going to get your facts wrong you might as well get them spectacularly wrong -- I wonder if anyone else has ever got Netanyahu confused with Yitzhak Rabin?
The editor of another magazine once told me I was not allowed to write that Yasser Arafat turned down Ehud Barak's offer at Camp David in 2000.
I was also warned not to get any ideas about trying to get a positive account of my trip published. In the end I did manage just that but only after an unprecedented, almost sentence-by-sentence dissection of my article by the commissioning editor during the course of which I had to repeatedly remind him that there is such a thing as an Israeli Arab and that not everyone in Israel is an Orthodox Jew. Both facts seemed to come as huge shocks to him. I've no doubt that if I had written on "The Hidden Wonders of Tehran" or "The Joy Of Jeddah," I'd have had a much easier ride.
The editor of another magazine once told me I was not allowed to write that Yasser Arafat turned down Ehud Barak's offer at Camp David in 2000. I asked why and he replied "because of a need for balance." I pointed out that nobody, including Arafat, has ever disputed that he rejected Barak's offer and the editor replied: "Well, I don't know about that but you still can't write it." The article in question was an "opinion" piece, so taking sides was exactly the brief -- as long as it was not Israel's side, apparently.
The same magazine had happily published articles accusing Israel of "war crimes" and carried advertising accusing Israel of apartheid policies. The need for balance is relative, it seems.
There was certainly nothing balanced about the NUJ boycott motion. The factual errors in the motion's wording are clear: For instance they seem not to have noticed that Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005. It's a contemptible motion. There's a phrase that became popular in Britain before the run-up to the war in Iraq. I've never liked this phrase because to me it reflects the selfishness of the anti-war lobby. However, in the aftermath of the NUJ motion it sums up perfectly how I feel about the boycott: Not in my name.
This article originally appeared on Ynetnews.com
(64) LUIS ELBAUM, July 6, 2009 2:48 AM
ISRAEL WILL WIN
ISREL WILL GET TO BE ACEPTED BY THE WORLD,, ISRAEL IS A ERY SMART COUNTRY,, IN 60 YEARS GOT A MIRACLE
(63) Carol Ann Read, December 9, 2007 10:11 PM
Easiest Way to View "War on Britain's Jews"
Sorry I gave such a difficult web address in my previous comment. For anyone interested in watching the UK Channel 4 series, "The War on Britain's Jews," an easier way find these shows is to go to www.youtube.com and search for "The War on Britain's Jews."
(62) Carol Ann Read, December 6, 2007 8:46 PM
Excellent UK TV Series About British Anti-Semitism
This is an important topic. There is an excellent six-part series by UK Channel 4 called "The War on Britain's Jews." To view this on-line, go to:
www.littlegreenfootballs.com/weblog/?entry=26201_Video-_The_War_on_Britains_Jews&only
If this link doesn't work, a search for "UK Channel 4 The War on Britain's Jews" should give a link where you can watch this.
(61) Elyada Levi, June 4, 2007 12:56 PM
Ashamed to be British
Like many I'm shocked at the way the BBC, once a respected and fair organisation, now misrepresents The nation of Israel. The joke is that their new name is the Beirut Broadcasting Co. Any decent editor would have fired Orla Guerin for blatant lies. Truth is not the goal anymore, just pro Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian propaganda. I was also surprised to learn that Arabs have a right to the Holy Land, even though it was promised to Father Abraham, Moses, Joshua et al. No doubt when Islam takes over Europe, in a few years, the BBC will find out, too late, the difference between a democracy (Israel) and brutal oppression (Islam) I thank HaShem, though born in Britain, I now live in the USA, where Islam will be slower to take over, and it won't be in my lifetime.
(60) Puregoldj, May 4, 2007 11:00 PM
I'm not the only one who noticed...
I read the European press, and the British press is by far the most biased against Israel. And pretty much uniformly so. It's good to hear that there are British people such as Mr. Evans who understand this and are disgusted by it.
A lot of people complain about the French, but le Monde is refreshingly balanced, responsible, and professional in its mid-east reporting, and you'll get interviews with leading Israelis, and visits to Israeli towns. And the French journalists don't search out any opportunity to accuse Israel of human rights abuses like the British.
Some of what I have seen in otherwise responsible British papers is laughable. For example, last year, the Independent made a big deal about Israel's attack on Lebanon being "pre-planned". Yo, Dude, anybody that knows ANYTHING about military affairs knows that any responsible military has laid out worst case scenarios based on how to respond to threats from enemies. In other words, Israel's attack on Hezbollah was no more pre-planned than Britain's attack on Argentina when the Argentines took over the Falklands/Las Malvinas.
(59) Anonymous, May 4, 2007 9:17 AM
no one speaks english?
firstly , i don't know where the writer who said no one knew english was but majority of people in israel know some english and are only too happy to speak it.
secondly, if you didn't enjoy your holiday, what can i do, but everytime you do not enjoy yourself , the country has to be boycotted????
(58) Robert Evans, May 4, 2007 5:44 AM
Displaying email address
I agree with Gary Pollack, you can publish my email details any time. If it attracts anti-Semites to attack me, as a gentile I say "bring it on". I can handle the ignorance and hatred. What higher honour could a Christian friend of Israel and the Jews have than to be persecuted for being so. Once again I say "bring it on" !
(57) Robert Evans, May 4, 2007 5:30 AM
British TV are also anti-Semitic
To my Jewish friends at Aish,
All I can say to my friends in Israel about this article is a very big AMEN ! It's about time that satan's most powerful weapon was confronted.
The only point I would disagree with is that most people here think journalists are "liars". This may or may not be true of the print media, I've long since ceased to purchase so called "news" papers and the like. BUT ! Unfortunately people in general still believe media outlets like the BBC and , as an Englishman, I'm ashamed of this organisation which, once a flagship of integrity, has now degenerated into one of the most anti-Semitic in the so called "free world". It's true that they are a lot more subtle than the others, but to those of us who see thru the one-sided rhetoric, it is so blatantly obvious that our glorious BBC, along with all it's commercial compatriots, has become the purveyor of rabid (but subtle) anti-Semitism, and of course, the USA. I'd like to be able to offer a crumb of hope that there was a sign of change in " the air ", but alas I cannot.
Keep fighting my friends, truth will win out, the only question is WHEN.To my dear Jewish friends I offer my heartfelt apologies for my country's behaviour and assure you that those of us who have been shown the truth. are with you.
G-d bless you all, from Robert, a UK Christian supporter and I hope, a TRUE friend of Israel.
(56) julie mellor, England, May 4, 2007 4:41 AM
Boycott the newspapers
I read about this some time ago and I'm absolutely disgusted with British Journalist, if I see any article in any British newspaper condemning Israel or bias reporting, I will email their editor and make my feelings known, and that I/friends and family, will never buy their newspaper/magazine again, as we are not blind or stupid and we know what is going on. Unfortunately as much as it sticks in my gut, I still have to pay my license fee to BBC, who are in my mind the biggest culprits.
(55) Jerry Ellis, May 4, 2007 2:10 AM
British racism runs deep
This is not a shock as the British empire has always been institutionally anti-Semitic for many, many years. In the 1948 War of Independence the British army turned over their equipment to the Arabs before they left, knowing full well it would be used against the fledgling state. Look at England now to see how they have sold out to Arab money. I guess you can't expect much from a caste society that has been a welfare state since it lost it's colonies. The British racism runs deep, and after their plundering of half the third world stopped, they have been on the dole. If it wasn't for the U.S and Winston Churchill, the Nazis would be in power today. England has become just another socialist third-world country joining half of Europe in its hatred and jealousy of the U.S. and Israel. It is time we took a hard look at who our friends really are. Thanks for a chance to rant.
(54) Robert Evans, May 3, 2007 4:53 PM
rabid but subtle anti-Semitism
All I can say to my friends in Israel about this article is a very big AMEN ! It's about time that this powerful weapon was confronted. The only point I would disagree with is that most people here think journalists are "liars". This may or may not be true of the print media, I've long since ceased to purchase so called "news" papers and the like. BUT ! Unfortunately people in general still believe media outlets like the BBC and, as an Englishman, I'm ashamed of this organisation which, once a flagship of integrity, has now degenerated into one of the most anti-Semitic in the so called "free world". It's true that they are a lot more subtle than the others, but to those of us who see thru the one-sided rhetoric, it is so blatantly obvious that our glorious BBC, along with all it's commercial compatriots, has become the purveyor of rabid (but subtle) anti-Semitism, and of course, the USA. I'd like to be able to offer a crumb of hope that there was a sign of change in "the air", but alas I cannot. Keep fighting my friends, truth will win out, the only question is WHEN.
To my dear Jewish friends I offer my heartfelt apologies for my country's behaviour and assure you that those of us who have been shown the truth are with you. G-d bless you all, from Robert, a UK Christian supporter and I hope, a TRUE friend of Israel.
(53) Sarah, May 1, 2007 10:42 PM
This is sad but not surprising. People are so misinformed about Jews and about Israel they have blind hatred over nothing. I am not Jewish and unfortunately come from a somewhat anti-semitic family. They are that way because they are uneducated. I decided to make my own decision on Jews and Israel by taking a trip there. I've never been to a more beautiful place in my life! Sadly with educated declining and people believing tabloids more than facts anti-semitism and hatred for Israel is rising in the western-world.
(52) barbara s. dobbin, May 1, 2007 10:06 PM
The British historically have been anti-semitic and now, the anti-Israel stance is just the same thing.
First, it was Saudi Arabian oil money that greased the media. Then, it was the mass immigration of Muslims from various countries that put fear in the media. And last, the Blair government has no guts to set the record straight regarding the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. The memory of their defeat by a handful of Jews in the late forties is still too painful for many. The old guard, many of whom supported Hilter in WW2, are still around to influence public opinion. They probably own the mass media outlets, anyway.
(51) LUIS ELBAUM, May 1, 2007 6:07 PM
ISRAEL NEEDS PEACE URGENT
IF ISRAEL DON´T GE PEACE INMEDIATLY, Y DOUBT ABOUT HIS FUTURE AGAINST THE ISLAMIC WORLD. ISRAEL SHOULD GIVE BACK THE TERRITORIES IN GOLAN , CISJORJAN, AND DECLARE THE OLD JERUSALEM " UNIVERSAL CITY" IT IS THE WAY TO GET PEACE, SHALOM
(50) Rainer Livschütz, May 1, 2007 2:03 PM
This is just unbelievable.
But on the other hand, during a discussion in a pub in Stuttgart, where I sided with Israel and the US I was totally isolated and was happy that this pub wasn't filled with any rough guys.
(49) Patricia Rodino, May 1, 2007 11:06 AM
Dear Sirs, I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the British medias response to Israel. I am equally shocked at the churchs response to suicide bombers. I love Israel.
(48) Anonymous, May 1, 2007 4:42 AM
I found interesting the article by Chas Newkey Burden, however its not news for anyone living or working in Britain , that the majority of the media organization in the UK are pro Palestinians . specially the Guardian , BBC and Channel 4. The views about the Jewish people/Israel in Europe has not change very much as we can tell. Its very sad ,but its the reality...
(47) Anonymous, April 30, 2007 11:24 PM
To Anonymous: Why G-D Chose the Jews
Your question reminds me of an old ditty:
How odd
Of G-d
To Choose
The Jews!
To which I've see 2 answers:
It is
Not odd
The Jews
Chose G-d!
or:
Not odd
Of G-d
The goyim
Annoy'im!
(46) Joel K, April 30, 2007 6:44 PM
British Antisemitism inservice of IslamoNazi appeasement
The anti-Israel and closet antisemitism expressed by the British media and many in British society, in-service of Islamofacist appeasement, is nothing new.
Before Israel became a state in 1947, British soldiers were often encouraged by their political elites to incite Arab riots against Jews. Furthermore, Jews were disarmed by the British and left helpless in the face of Arab rioters, murderers, and rapists; Arabs that stole Jewish property and land. Apparently, this example of British "refinement" and fair play was designed to appease the IslamoNazis' hate filled response to Jews. It served as means to discourage Jews from residing in what was Palestine, or from immigrating to Israel, because it was upsetting the Arabs.
Furthermore, British soldiers fought along side their Arab clients against the Jews of Israel in the beginning of Israel's 1948 War against the millions of Arabs bent on finishing what Hitler had started. This included British flyers flying their aircraft against Jews trying to defend themselves from the Arab onslaught.
Of course, we should not forget the other act of "civilized" behavior that British demonstrated when they closed Israel to Jews trying to flee the Hitler's ovens, costing millions Jewish lives. And, it should be noted that the so-called Palestinians during the Second World War were aligned with Hitler against the Allies, yet the British helped make it easier for Nazis to murder European Jews, in-service of the Arabs. What makes this even more disgusting is the fact that many Jews of Palestine in brigade units fought against the Nazis, and Britain paid back the Jews by aiding and abetting Hitler's effort to exterminate Jews to appease the IslamoNazi "palestinians".
British media and many of its citizens, including political elites, need to hang their heads in shame. They certainly have no moral or ethical position from which to criticize Israel. And, as for apartheid, well, England demonstrated its expertise in that area as well.
There is nothing new about the extent to which many in British society will go to appease the Arab world with the sacrifice of Jews and Israel to Allah. Better that the Brits focus on the Islamofacist takeover of their country, instead of trying to defame and punish Israel, while flaunting their cleverly and deceptive brand or "cultured" brand of antisemitism.
(45) Anonymous, April 30, 2007 6:17 PM
antisemitism stronger in england
I am a spanish citizen who lived in London for 3 years.I was very often segregated and even insulted for being jewish,wich was a huge shock for me.I find that feeling of hatred towards Israel and J
(44) Nomlas Fisher, April 30, 2007 5:34 PM
Now! you have experienced a little,just a little, of what we Jews have experienced,for hundreds of years, the lies,distortions of fact,Hate= .....Antisemitism!! I was eight yrs. old when I left London,England, in 1946 and I still remember the terrifying walks to school,the chases home,the stone throwing, the hatefull words from the thugs that hung out at the local pubs,that were close to my school,Simon Bayswater Hebrew school,at Ladbroke Grove street,if my memory serves me right!!(I'm now 70yrs.) G-dbless the state of Israel, may my spiritual home land,live for ever,I have no doubt it will,look at what it has achieved to this point!just Wonderous, and continues to achieve!!! I now live in Paradise,on the west coast of Canada, and have experienced only a few incidents of antisemitism, in my beloved Canada, all from Englishmen!! N.F.
(43) Simon Pook, April 30, 2007 5:09 PM
The NUJ do not speak for all the English
It is sad that the English press constantly see themselves as the mouth piece for all that live in England, and it is equally sad that people from both inside and outside England belive the rubbish they write. I would like to asure all the people of Israel, that they do not speak for all the English and I for one (and I'm sure there are many more) have been and will continue to be a supporter of Israel against those that would use violence in what can only be described as a 'sick war of hatred in the name of religion'. Such a sad and pointless waste of life on both sides. The NUJs support this, and their obsession with the gutter is the reason I stopped buying and reading their gabbage in the mid 1980s.
All the best to you Israel.
(42) Martin Tobin, April 30, 2007 2:28 PM
your commentary is very infomative
I enjoy reading your daily commentaries. I do pass them along to my address book to help give them an incite as to what is happening regarding Israel
(41) khalikine, April 30, 2007 2:17 PM
How ungrateful some Israelis are !!!
You simply forgot who helped you to have a land and a country. why are all the time hysterical.
(40) Pat Toensmeier, April 30, 2007 7:54 AM
Animosity towards Israel
Anyone who wonders where the inheritors of Neville Chamberlain's moral perspective are to be found need look no further than the NUJ. Let's hope that when (not if) the gutsy suicide bombers target London, they avoid the haunts of those who stand "shoulder-to-shoulder" with them.
(39) Maura Collins., April 30, 2007 7:10 AM
Revolting Vultures.
"Boy, those suicide bombers have got guts". Yes, and they are now scattered all over the road. Did the same journalists believe this of the IRA when the bombing campaign was at its zenith in London? Did they cheer them on to new heights of savagery? After all, England was still squatting in the North of Ireland, so why would they demand the removal of Jews from 'Palestine', when they were doing worse in my country? As for the journalists themselves, we have a saying that many years ago they took yellow journalism-and then debased it. These people cannot legitimately be classified as journalists. They are muck rakers, they have the blood of dead Jews on their hands, and in a better world they would and should be dragged up before a court and brought to book on their crimes against Israel. These revolting vultures bear no resemblance to writers, as truly, they are hate mongers. Shalom Israel.
(38) Gordon Ross, April 30, 2007 4:10 AM
I'm not in the least surprised !
I was one of a small number of Jewish boys at a grammar school outside London during the 1940s. The non-Jewish pupils were drawn from a wide cross-section of the local population, and anti-Semitism was rife. The standard taunt was:"Go back to Palestine !", often accompanied by violence. Clearly, they learned their prejudices at home. Today, their descendants have changed the lyrics to:"Jews out of Palestine !", but the tune is the same as always.
All this boycott business and relentless anti-Israel propaganda boils down to raw anti-Semitism, which is endemic here in the UK.
(37) Keren, April 30, 2007 4:08 AM
floundering media
The British press, so anti-Israel in tone, as underlined by this article, currently finds itself in an awkward quandry: a British journalist is currently being held hostage in Gaza, and despite rallies calling for his realease, no one in Gaza seems to be able to find him, or knows what has become of him. This leaves the British media flounderning - how can they get the public to view the Palestinians in a favourable light with this journalist (who has been described as 'a friend of the Palestinians') still missing? It's quite amusing for me as a British Jew to sense their bafflement - no matter how hard they twist it they cannot escape that this one is purely down to the anarchy and violence that reigns in Gaza.
(36) Rick, April 30, 2007 2:52 AM
Distortion of the Truth
After the recent soccer match between Israel and England, many ordinary Britons, visiting Israel for the first time in their lives, were surprised to discover a modern country with friendly people (who also like soccer). Indeed, they discovered a country worthy of spending a holiday in, totally unlike the terrible place often described in the British press. British journalists, like those from other countries too, fuel hatred and prevent dialogue, pandering to those "who know how to put on a good show for them." To use a soccer analogy: they stand behind the most comfortable goal and cheer on one side against the other (using that side's propaganda). Their lack of objectivity and of knowledge about the conflict in question is an embarrassing disgrace to their profession. The connection between being "politically correct" and maintaining moral values is debatable.
Come on British journalists; get your heads out of the sand. Seek out and tell the truth. The NUJ can influence the powers that be and bring its members back towards the center of the pitch.
(35) gila, April 30, 2007 2:03 AM
your reaction?
Thank you for your courage in speaking out. Let us pray that it encourages others.
(34) Anonymous, April 30, 2007 12:51 AM
This article should run in mainstream media and often in order to inform the public at large.
(33) supportpresbush, April 30, 2007 12:29 AM
appeasement
didnt stop with neville chamberlain
(32) Michael Bergman, April 29, 2007 8:45 PM
The British press has lost its soul.
The British press has lost its soul. A large section, particularly on the 'left'is following blindly a philosphy that "if our 'groupies' have these views , who are we to question?" Thus , superficiality and falsehood become accepted norms. Unfortunately this attitude is forwarded on to the reading public who uncritically soak it up. It mirrors the poor state of public understanding in Britain today on matters pertaining to the Middle East.
(31) Victoria Eichner, April 29, 2007 8:36 PM
i AM SO APPALLED BY BRITISH JOURNALISTS AND THEIR PROPAGANDA THAT I WILL NOT RETURN TO ENGLAND WHILE THIS ATTITUDE PREVAILS.
(30) Anonymous, April 29, 2007 8:08 PM
SO When do they give up their cell phones?
Since they're going to boycott Israeli products, guess they will be trashing their cell phones, their Intel-based computers, and anythign that runs MS Windows...
(29) CD Mazoff, April 29, 2007 7:55 PM
What do you expect?
And why should they be any different now? Remember, a lot of the mess in the Middle East was caused by the British Empire; and remember that while Jewish DP's sat in camps after WWII because of the British Policy on the Return to Israel, German POWs were invited to the homes of British citizens.. They are cousins afterall. But, what can you say? They're perfect didn't you know? It has something to do with their accent.
(28) Gillian, April 29, 2007 6:28 PM
The media in New Zealand including television are every bit as biased as the British Media. During the TV news if there is an item on the conflict in Israel we spend most of the time calling out " Get your facts right,and learn basic history". Lack of Knowledge and interest in truth seems to be universal.
(27) sandy, April 29, 2007 5:55 PM
i'm outraged, but not surprised.
are all European journalists boycotting Israel? there is so much anti-Israel talk from Europe today, perhaps that is it! it's a very sad time. this is 2007!! not 1936!!! bless you Mr.Burden..don't let them get you down.
(26) Marion Zeiger, April 29, 2007 5:29 PM
NUJ fails to look at the reality of the Israel-Palestinian situation when they vote to boycott Israel.
I wonder why no one I've read or heard has commented on the irony of British journalis Alan Johnston's kidnapping in Palestinian territory. Make no mistake: it isn't the Israelis who blow up schools and buses; it isn't the Israelis who send young people into crowded shopping centers to blow themselves up just so that they can cause massive loss of innocent lives. AND it isn't Israelis who kidnap England's (or any other nation's) journalists. The NUJ has shamed itself and further diminished its credibility by failing to place blame and assign fault where it belongs--with the terrorist neighbors of Israel.
(25) Dovid, April 29, 2007 4:42 PM
Interesting personal insight into the crassness of British journalists.
I enjoyed this article for the wrong reasons. This is an interesting insight into the crass ignorance and bias exhibited by British journalists, who represent the anti-semitic underbelly of the British establishment.
(24) Cynthia Leary, April 29, 2007 4:25 PM
Better public relations
I agree that Israel needs better public relations, not only towards Britain, but the rest of the European community as well. It is heart breaking to see the negative bias and discrimination shown in the European press against a democaratic country, Israel. The proportion of Arabs in Britain is a large part of the problem.
(23) Anonymous, April 29, 2007 3:23 PM
I have sent the following to NUJ:
"I sincerely hope that Alan Johnston is returned safe and sound to his friends and family and I am sure you feel that way about Israelis in similar situations as his. It is rather disappointing that you feel it necessary to support the ridiculous resolution which instead of hastening the return of your colleague will only bring laughter to the faces of his captors, disdain from members of your profession world-wide, and wonderment on the part of others as to what the limits of hypocrisy might be."
(22) Dvirah, April 29, 2007 3:11 PM
Reply to Annonymous 4/29/2007
It is true that there is still some anti-British feeling in Israel - the reason being that the British were NOT here to "keep the Palestinians and Jews from each other's throats" but because they had strategic need of control in the region for economic reasons. Far from keeping the peace, they aided and abetted Arab attacks agains Jewish communitees while punishing Jews for defending themselves. Just check the records of the day: for example, who was arrested and who was allowed to hold firearms?
(21) anon, April 29, 2007 2:36 PM
my thoughts are with you. I echo the 'don't dispair'. I live in Britain and don't buy newspapers because of the slant on the reporting. even the free paper distribution which refers to local press for the 'whole story' telephones to check a. if you are receiving and b. if you are reading it. I also shield my children from tv news and rarely watch that either. If I hear something on the grapevine I look it up on the internet. if anything major happens someone will usually tell me.
(20) Luis T, April 29, 2007 2:07 PM
Reap what you sow . .
Great Britain is fomenting what will eventually be the seeds of it's own demise -- mainly the tacit coddling of terrorist views and the harboring of same as the Commonwealth comes home to roost. Current demographic changes point to an increasing "Eurabia" influence on Western Europe that is more than alarming. The British have long been loathe and reticent to accept their mismanagement, complicity and responsibility in 20th century issues involving the founding of the modern Israeli state.
(19) Anonymous, April 29, 2007 1:20 PM
Cliche: What is the world coming to?
It is shocking to see ignorance masquerading as intellect, and then defending it as balanced or justice! And, by those who would have us believe that they are examples of righteousness, not in a religious or socialistically evolved mode, but in a purported obsession with tolerance that ignores the truth that anyone can see before their own eyes!?!? Is it a neo-intelligentsia movement that has developed because academia has become big business, where no-one is taught to think deeply anymore. I can feel pity for haters who become shooters or terrorist, whether they are students on a college campus, or Muslims who cannot see that their own tribe leaves them to suffer in abject poverty, rather than the Jews they falsely accuse. But, my pity for the innocent Israelis who are victimized by "truly bigoted" bombers is far, far greater. The madness is planted in these terrorists, but why would British Journalists or any other person, sympathize with them to the point of condoning and encouraging their insane actions?
(18) roslynschneider, April 29, 2007 1:16 PM
Israel needs a better public relations program directed toward the British people.
(17) Wayland Standefer, April 29, 2007 1:02 PM
don't be discouraged
It's as simple as the scripture," I will bless them that bless you (Israel) and will curse them that curse you,"
(16) Anonymous, April 29, 2007 1:01 PM
Good for you!
Principled stance!
(15) Elizabeth, April 29, 2007 12:49 PM
I'm from N.Ireland and can see first hand how biased the British media is. I no longer listen to the news or read the papers.I prefer to look at jewish or christian websites for a more 'balanced' view .
(14) garry pollack, April 29, 2007 12:47 PM
i think u shud make e-mail adress display optional too. we writers may want to start networking!
Muslims have engaged in the murder of Americans, Europeans and OTHER Muslims prolifically. When do you even hear of a Jew murdering any one? Yes, but far & few between.
Israelis & Jews are a peaceable people. We could live harmoniously with the Muslims. They don't want to make peace with us. Do you have Jews blowing up London subways and demonstrating threateningly in the streets? Do you have Muslims in London calling for jihad and fatwas? Those two words don't even exist in the Hebrew language. Which must mean we don't even have a thought or concept of such things.
I consider myself not only a Jew, but a member of the Anglo-American civilization. These two identities I consider completely amenable to one another. Do Muslims think Islam and Anglo-American ideals are compatible? I have always been proud that Disraeli was both an Englishman and a Jew. I am proud to be an American Jew. My father and uncles were Jews who served in England and went on to destroy civilizations worst enemy.
In WWII the Muslims sided with the Nazis. Britain had to defeat Nazi Iraqis and Egyptians, Syrians etc supported the Nazis. The Grand Mufti of Jerusalem spent WWII in Berlin. Hitler always referred to us as the "Cosmopolitan Jew". Which means to me civilized and democratic. I will argue with you to my last breath but I will never raise my hand in anger, nor would hardly any other Jew. Could you expect that of a Muslim? Think about who your true brethren are.
(13) Evin Daly, April 29, 2007 12:11 PM
www.lookisrael.com tries to balance the bias
I've tried with absolutely zero success to get English journalists to cover our site www.lookisrael.com and this is why. However this is only the tip of the iceberg - the roots of the hared of jews run deep in European society. Shame on them all.
(12) Anonymous, April 29, 2007 11:54 AM
Anti - British?
It seems to me that sentiment of being biased is on the other foot.
I don't believe it's so much teh British journalists that are disliked in Israel as the British people in general.
I am sure those journalists you condemn are a small minority. The newspapers mentioned are noted for sensationalist editorials.
I am sure the journalist who wrote the above article did so because he knew that was what you wanted to read.
Too many Israelis like to blame the outside world for their problems.
When I visited Israel several years agoI did so with a mostly American group and Canadians.
Had no problem as long as I stayed with teh group. We had a very protecvtive tour guide. However, I took off on my own, thinking that in a country that had been for so long a British mandate (not a colony, not a part of the British Empire but a mandate formed in the mistaken belief that only the British could keep teh Palestinians and Jews from each other's throats.)
I thought English woul dbe commonly spoken.
Not so. Very few people spoke it outside of teh hotels and tourist attractions.
On a bus (travelling by myself - much to the astonishment of other passengers I got into a conversation with a woman who was American reared.)The rest of our trip we spent in Jordan and I must say that, even though their understanding of English was even less, the Jordanians treated us with more courtesy.
Read the Balfour declaration.
Without the British you would not have 'national home.'
I think teh Israelis have done a wonderful job with the land and it is unfortunate that they don't have it all to themselves as a homogenous nation usually fares better.
Honestly, I sometime swonder why G-d chose the Jews instead of the more rational British.
(11) Billy Whitfield, April 29, 2007 11:21 AM
Sickening!
The worlds media has turned against Israel and it makes me sick! They are nothing but liberal toads that side with an enemy that would cut their throats if the journalistic weasels wrote anything that offended them. But, not to worry, God will sort them out one day. God Bless Israel and her backers!
(10) Hans Lederer, April 29, 2007 11:13 AM
Vengeance is mine saith the Lord.
For fifty years we waited for Europe (and the U.K.) to receive a Divine payback for what they did to the Jews. Remember, even the English applauded Chamberlain and branded Churchill a warmonger for insisting that Herr Hitler was fixed on war. Well, Heaven seems to have decided that they've had their last chance to wean themselves from blatant anti-semitism (now called anti-Zionism) and failed. Islam is their punishment; Islam and regression to the 7th century. Perhaps, if the press is lucky, the coming Muslim majority won't banish typewriters or keyboards. However, on their knees, with the sword at their throats, their dying gasp will remain, "The Jews are to blame!"
(9) Spencer Erman, April 29, 2007 10:47 AM
?Boycott?
I wonder if these 'journalists' are also boycotting the Israeli invented and manufactured cellular phone technology?
(8) Christian Van Niekerk, April 29, 2007 10:14 AM
Chas. Newkey Burden
Thanks to this honest and brave journalist.
He is not afraid to tell the truth.
His experience with the British press shows how one-sided and ignorant the NUJ is of Israel and the Jewish people.
BBC is the worst culprit by their anti Israel news.
When will those "brilliant" journalists and editors visit Israel themselves, to learn the truth.
Th British journalist are afraid to write the truth about the situation in Israel and the PA areas, for fear of being kidnapped and probably killed by the Palestinians
I am sure that those journalist are paid by Hamas and other terrorist groups to write "what they are told"
I only hpope that the Chistian world will wake up before it is too late. Before the Muslims take over the whole world by their sheer numbers, and threaten those Christians to either convert to Islam, or face death.
Christians of the world should unite and defend Israel and the Jews from the murderous, liars, Islam.
One only has to see what is happening in Saudi Arabia and Turkey as an example of what the Muslims do to Christians.
Muslims are slaughtering Muslims in Iraq. So, how can they behave better to Christians, Jews, and Hindus?
(7) Aaron Rosloff, April 29, 2007 10:11 AM
Here's one for the good guys.
It seeme that British journalists don't even understand simple english. Balanced means both sides.
(6) James Girzone, April 29, 2007 9:43 AM
'Achilles Heel' of the self-styled 'Free Press=== Thr TRUTH
If any bastion of a self-proclaimed democratic society, to which, most assuredly, THE PRESS stakes 'Pre-eminent and virtually sole claim to so being, the self-styled 'Protector of Free Government and the proverbial 'cornerstone' of their 'profession (?)--- is mere self-delusion and NOW PROVEN HOAX by virtue of BRITISH Journalists incredible BOYCOTT. The MYTH of a FREE PRESS to a democratic Society
(5) Kielman, April 29, 2007 9:32 AM
As I've presumed already, they're becoming muslims
Scary! The truth must be the striking truth in this; they've already in hurry to become muslims. Look therefore at the Big Ben as the tower of..? Yes? Thanks for the article, highly educational, exposing the truth that even english themselve don't dare to think about!
(4) Anthony Marino, April 29, 2007 9:29 AM
Great article, but it won't change closed minds.
I have a cousin who is a professor of journalism at NYU. He has accepted the Move On version of "difficulties" in the Middle East, and I can assure you that this article will do nothing but engender contempt. US journalists are rapidly moving toward the British Journalists' self inflicted myopia.
(3) Ellen, April 29, 2007 9:27 AM
enlightening
I had not realized how utterly unreliable British journalism is. I know that I flinch when I hear the BBC as I'm looking for my favorite morning show (whose host and content is Jewish). I'm saving this article, as it is an important reference point. Thanks for publishing, oh, and for not "putting the boot in."
(2) Anonymous, April 29, 2007 8:52 AM
Brit Bias Against Israel
Britain still mourns the loss of empire. Israel was one of the first to break loose, Burma was second and then came India. There's no capital in being biased against the latter two. In the Dallas book shops that sell the foreign papers, English journals turn yellow with age on the shelves.
(1) Joey, April 29, 2007 8:44 AM
Are you still in Britain?
Feel free to come over to our side of the Pond---anti-Israeli bias is something of a growing problem, but from the sound of it we tend to be much less "balanced" in the States.
God bless.