Channel 12 Reporter Slams Channel 14 Host Over Nova Party Site Prayer

Michal Peylan, a welfare reporter for Channel 12 News, sharply criticized Yinon Magal, host of the program "HaPatriotim" on Channel 14, for his social media post about a prayer service held at the site of the Nova music festival massacre. Magal had shared a video of the Hallel prayer service, stating that "the left tried to cancel the prayer and KKL-JNF did not allow them amplification, but it didn't help them." This occurred amid public sensitivity surrounding events commemorating the October 7th attacks at locations where hundreds were killed. The decision to hold events at the Nova site had already sparked controversy, with some bereaved families and families of hostages expressing strong opposition.

Peylan accused Magal and his supporters of exhibiting "levels of venom and hatred that are impossible to comprehend." She stated, "It's crazy that they have turned Judaism into a religion of 'just because.' It is clear that there is no connection between Judaism and values of tolerance, love for the other, respect for the other, morality, and honor, and Yinon Magals who enjoy poking a finger in the eye of bereaved families." She further criticized the "HaPatriotim" program for "sitting smugly and complaining about the Nova massacre victims who danced in front of a Buddha statue."

Peylan concluded her remarks by expressing a hope for a "real correction" in Israeli public discourse, advocating for leadership that promotes respect and inclusion, even for those with differing opinions, and for a discourse that does not feed on the suffering of others.