New York Times Removes Controversial Phrase About Israelis' Victimhood

The New York Times has removed a phrase from a September 14 article that sparked significant criticism in Israel and the United States. The original text, written by Jerusalem correspondent Isabel Kershner, stated, "But Israelis still largely see themselves as victims of October 7." Following backlash, the newspaper deleted the sentence and added an editor's note.

The Times explained that the phrase was an "editorial error" and was intended to describe Israelis' attitudes toward the government's response after the October 7 Hamas attack. However, the newspaper acknowledged it "unintentionally created the impression that the Israeli experience as victims of terrorism is a matter of perception."

The original wording drew outrage given that approximately 1,200 people were killed and around 250 were taken hostage by Hamas and other groups during the October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel. CAMERA, an organization monitoring media coverage of Israel, stated that the initial text turned an established fact into a subjective feeling.

Tal Naim, spokesperson for the Israeli Embassy in Washington, criticized the Times' explanation of an "editorial error," calling it an attempt to "put on a mask again and hide behind professional jargon" that does not negate the original statement.

The article itself discusses the controversy in Israel surrounding the documentary film "Naza" (Collateral Damage) by directors Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor. The film, which uses testimonies from Israeli soldiers and intelligence officers, focuses on the deaths of Palestinian civilians in Gaza and received a special jury prize at the Venice Film Festival. The film has generated a strong political and public reaction within Israel.