The press doesn’t like Israel very much, it seems. They can usually be counted on to take the Palestinian line, they leave out details that are important in understanding Israel’s actions, they are endlessly critical of Israel and Israeli policy, and they disproportionately cover this conflict over other conflicts around the world (ask yourself: where is the outrage over Syria? Assad’s army has killed almost 400 civilians in the last week alone).
Photo: Flickr/ Christyn
There’s no doubt that the international press (and I include in that group a good deal of American media) dislikes Israel – not just her policies, but her very existence. Their coverage is reflexively anti-Israel because of their personal attitudes and opinions. But there are other reasons for the obvious bias in their coverage. A media outlet can’t be too critical of Hamas and expect still to report from inside Gaza or get interviews with Hamas leaders. Unlike a Western democracy, where a reporter or newspaper can criticize a president or prime minister and still have access, Hamas is a terrorist dictatorship. Write something bad about them and, at best, you’ll be sent packing. At worst…well, you can imagine (and so can reporters).
So why the disproportionate focus on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? War zone comfort and proximity. Think about it. Every news outlet in the world covering Gaza right now has their reporter down at the Israel-Gaza border. There is dramatic footage! Rockets! Air strikes! Explosions! After the article is written or the on-camera interview completed, the reporter goes back to their hotel room, takes a hot shower and goes out for a nice meal in a fully-developed country (Israel). During their reporting, there’s no government goon standing over them telling them what they can and can’t say or trying to intimidate them. They can say whatever they want, go about their business, and enjoy all the perks of international travel. Think the restaurants are better in Damascus than in Tel Aviv? Not likely. That freedom is also why many news outlets have their Middle East bureaus in Israel – it’s the only country in the region which guarantees freedom of the press!
Then there are the adrenaline rush junkies who hunker down in Gaza. These reporters always struck me as adventure tourists. They hang out with the natives for a while, but in the end they cling to their foreign passport, can leave any time they want, and, with luck, they’ll be part of the story when Israel finds Palestinian Islamic Jihad leaders hiding in their building.
As pro-Israel activists, the best thing to do is to call the press on their anti-Israel bias whenever you see it. Write letters to the editor, call the public advocate or ombudsman to complain. Better still, act like a consumer of any other product and stop watching or reading sources whose pervasive bias makes you sick.
We’re not going to be able to end press bias against Israel. But we can be aware of it, call attention to it, and choose to spend our news-gathering dollars in ways that don’t support it.
What do you think?
2:59 pm
the world media is mostly made up of ungodly folk, so naturally they are one eyed .My heart is in Israel and with the Jewish people
4:56 pm
Nothing has changed in the 40 years since I studied the Arab/Israeli conflict. Israel is in the right, and has turned the other cheek WAY to many times.
4:17 pm
Dear Rabbi Greenberg, Please know that there are many people in America who do not believe the media and have stopped watching them long ago. I wish there were more in this category though. Conservatives know what is going on with Iran, and we know Iran wants to destroy Israel, and America. I wish more of our beloved Jewish citizens in America would vote conservative. Liberals are not on Israel’s side, and the USA media is liberal 100%.
4:09 pm
All free people’s must support democracies wherever they are in the world. To do any less is to consign human beings to lives bereft of the hope and self determination that we have long enjoyed in the West. Why Western media and others take this negative view of Israel, a beacon of freedom, is spiteful and shows a lack of understanding of where conflict comes from. Israel has been content with this small portion of land, generously giving much of it back. Arab nations own massive countries that together measure as large(r) as Europe. It is Arab aggression and their thirst for world domination that motivates their violence. If Israel goes down in defeat, the West shall soon follow. The long view is world totalitarianism via Iran. Any other interpretation is fool hardy.
3:14 pm
Mainstream media is a cesspool of lies which benefits anti Israeli point of view.Thankfully you don’t have to buy it and you can always switch it off.
7:51 am
THAT IS WHY I DON’T HAVE PAY TV . MY RABBIT EARS WORK JUST FINE. AND IF YOU WANT THE REAL NEWS ABOUT ISRAEL GO TO [ JIM BAKKER .COM ] LOOK IN RECENT PAST SHOWS FOR — JONATHAN CAHN – AND HE TALKS THE REAL REASON ON THE NEWS OF TODAY !!!! HE JUST HAS A BOOK THAT IS IN TOP PLACE CALLED THE [ HARBINGER ] EVEN IN OUR GOVERMENTIS NOW READING IT AND SAYING WE NEED TO PRAY FOR AMERICA. GOD BLESS AND PRAY FOR THE PEACE OF ISRAEL & THE USA
2:42 pm
Ignorance is bad but when it comes to the word of God ignorance can and will destroy you.”I will bless them that bless you and I will curse him who curses you.Some folks should read more and talk less
2:04 pm
For years Israel counted on Jewish, and right leaning Christian for support. The Arabs took the time to spread propaganda, especially painting Palestinians as victims, and the world loves victims…The fact that those Arab nations surrounding Israel, in 1948, started the Arab refugee problems notwithstanding, with the passing of years and heavy propaganda Palestinians are viewed as Israel-caused victims, and Hamas build up on that image by hiding its forces behind civilians in Gaza forcing any Israel action to cause large civilian casualties, more victims, and more sympathetic press.
It is time for Israel to stop counting on its inherent support and work on developing its own propaganda. After all, Hamas, Hebollah, and even the Palestinian Authority, and Iran, are on record as planning to eliminate Israel from the map.
1:59 pm
I am an American and I agree with Rabbi Greenberg. The American press is very bias toward Israel. All they show is one side of the comfict. Every day when I read the paper, I see photos of the Palestinian’s that are killed from the Israeli rockets, but they do not show the Israelis that are killed from the thousands of Hamas rockets. Israel did not start this. Hamas did and they hide behind palestinian civilians. Now, Hamas wants a truce, but on their terms. I’m all for Israel to stand their ground and not give into Hamas’s demands
1:58 pm
I pay no attention to cnn/abc/nbc/cbs/fox news. none of them have any reports anyway. they are owned by corporations that looks to creat caos in the world so they can garner more advertising dollars.
But may oppion is that isrel needs to end this once and for all and time for talking to terorists is long over.You know the saying damn the torpedos full speed ahead. like osama learned dead terrorist don’t kill people.
2:17 pm
forgot something i use att so i get yahoooooo page for internet maybe they thought that the terrorists had a chance of winning i do’t know for sure.?
However now that they have no chance and never did and that most americans sided with isreal they don’t have any stories at all. i guess just becuse the so called press wants something even the false stories they print people don’t believe.
1:57 pm
I wish there could be world-wide peace. I don’t believe that’s possible however. Not as a member of any organization, but as an individual only, I freely admit that I support Israel and the God of Abraham. I believe that one day Jesus will break through the clouds and it is already written as to how the story will end.
1:48 pm
Israel s fitting into scripture and hated by all. As soon as Ishmael was born, God said he and his decendants would be wild. It still holds true! Messiah is close to coming! I pray for Israel!
11:54 am
I pray for Israel everday. Your comment caught my attention because your referring to Ishmael. How true it is what God has said about the covenant with Abraham and his son Isaac, not Ishmael, Genesis 17:21, BUT MY COVENANT I WILL ESTABLISH WITH ISAAC…also Gensis 17:19, I will establish my covenant with him (Isaac) as an EVERLASTING covenant for his descendants after him. The United States of America must always stand firm and supportive as a Big Brother to our little brother, Israel….ALWAYS.
1:37 pm
Rabbi Greenberg … I applaud you for speaking out and standinng up for the truth. I have determined to find media reporting less biased (if possible) than CNN. Thank you for speaking the truth.
1:29 pm
Israel..She’s here to stay and No One will be able to wipe her off the map!!!! It’s in the Bible.:) The Media gives what the people want to hear..The true friends are the ones that will follow and support Israel no matter the cost.
1:22 pm
This is developing prophesy according to the Holy Bible. I’m on Israel’s side as they are God’s chosen people and He said that anyone that hurts them He will hurt.
1:13 pm
This is nothing but a bunch of lies from the pit of hell fact!!
1:10 pm
Just to finish-Americans are angry at how Israel is being treated and they and I want you to finish this once and for all.You have a strong support in the USA.
1:09 pm
G-d will keep and protect Israel forever.We know the truth about what is going on.Despite what the press is saying in America the American people are on your side-the blogs and facebook shows it. w
1:05 pm
My solution to our media’s continued unamerican reporting is not to listen or watch it. I have only been listening & watching Fox News, they report fairly.
12:51 pm
I will support you Israel whether my government or president does or not! I stand with you as the bible tells us that God will fight against those who fight against Jerusalem. May God Almighty richly bless you and protect you!
12:43 pm
since 1492 the original people of the usa has been slaughtered in the name of religion, and now they turn on their own people. the beaurocrats have pushed GOD out of schools, the media , politics ect
12:44 pm
no wonder why the usa is in the shape it is
12:43 pm
I so agree. It is completely wrong how biased the reporting is. We here so little news until some other country or group is involved and then it’s all Israel’s fault. It’s not. God will protect Israel because it is the home of His people. His hand of protection will be on you all.
12:35 pm
USA supports Israel!! We have a traitor in chief who does not, and liberal crack heads who are being paid off by him to not report the terrorist Hamas’ actions! Majority Americans support Israel!
12:32 pm
I am praying that this will pass and peace will find its place in all the middle east. If God doesnt end everything first. Things are so out of control all over Israel,Gaza,Syria,etc. Not many countries in the Middle East that are not in trouble now. To much me,me,me in the world. No concern for human life,and it is here in America as well. I pray that Israel will gain the high ground and get rid of Hamas. Prayers are with you.I am a Catholic,have wished to go to Israel for sometime now to see the places where our Lord walked.
12:30 pm
I am praying that this will pass and peace will find its place in all the middle east. If God doesnt end everything first. Things are so out of control all over Israel,Gaza,Syria,etc. Not many countries in the Middle East that are not in trouble now. To much me,me,me in the world. No concern for human life,and it is here in America as well. I pray that Israel will gain the high ground and get rid of Hamas. Prayers are with you.I am a Catholic,have wished to go to Israel for sometime now to see the places where or Lord walked.
12:25 pm
Our media in America is so bias it is hard to stomach so I only watch Fox News and Glenn Beck on Blazetv. Please remember that half our country is naive the other half knows the true and supports Israel.