Haaretz Journalists Condemn Publisher's Remarks on Terrorism
The controversy surrounding the comments made by Haaretz publisher Amos Shoken during a recent conference in London has sparked significant backlash from journalists within the newspaper. A group of Haaretz journalists issued a statement on social media, explicitly rejecting Shoken's characterization of terrorists as 'freedom fighters.' They emphasized that acts of murder and attacks against innocent people cannot be justified and should not be viewed as a means of struggle. The statement reflects a commitment to journalistic integrity and independence, reinforcing their stance against any form of violence.
Among the journalists who signed the statement are Paddy Amon, Gush Breiner, and Amir Tibon, who survived the October 7th massacre. Tibon expressed his agreement with the collective message, highlighting the importance of their independence as journalists.
Shoken's Controversial Statements
During the conference, Shoken criticized the Israeli government's policies towards the Palestinian population, describing it as a 'brutal apartheid regime.' He argued that the government ignores the consequences of its actions and called for the establishment of a Palestinian state, advocating for sanctions against Israel as a means to achieve this goal. His comments have been met with outrage from various quarters, including political figures and social activists.
Calls for Action Against Shoken
In response to Shoken's remarks, influencer and social activist Natalie Dadon took to Instagram, demanding that the Israeli government cease all advertising in Haaretz. She labeled Shoken's comments as treasonous, asserting that it is unacceptable for someone to speak against their country during a time of war. Dadon called for an urgent meeting of the Finance Committee responsible for government advertising to discuss the funding of Haaretz, emphasizing the need to stop financial support for what she perceives as incitement against Israeli soldiers and citizens.
This ongoing debate underscores the deep divisions within Israeli society regarding the conflict with the Palestinians and the role of media in shaping public discourse.
