TV Host Moria Asraf Slams Democrats Party for Boycotting Show

Moria Asraf, co-host of the Israeli television program "Moria and Berko," expressed astonishment on air regarding the Democrats Party's decision to boycott her show. The boycott stems from criticism Asraf leveled against the party's chairman, Yair Golan, concerning his remarks about the Eli preparatory academy. Asraf informed viewers that while some party candidates were willing to appear, the party's spokesperson instructed them not to. In one instance, this directive was issued just ten minutes before a scheduled broadcast.

"The party spokesperson instructs to boycott her, not to come," Asraf stated, criticizing the directive against appearing on a media outlet due to legitimate criticism of a politician. She further asserted that this behavior is "usually characteristic of another party." Asraf intensified her critique, arguing that this demonstrates that for the Democrats Party, "liberalism, pluralism, these are completely foreign terms" to at least some of its leaders and managers.

Fellow hosts appeared surprised by the party's actions. Co-host Eyal Berkovich stammered, "Whoever comes is welcome, and whoever doesn't come, doesn't come." Political correspondent Michael Shemesh also expressed surprise but deemed the Democrats' decision legitimate.

Asraf concluded by affirming her commitment to continued journalistic criticism. "We will continue to criticize everyone, from all ends of the political spectrum, whatever we deem appropriate as part of our journalistic work. You don't have to come," she said. She urged, "Please, whoever is not prepared to hear legitimate criticism of a politician, should not preach about free media."