Channel 12 Reporter Slams Yinon Magal Over Remarks on Oct. 7th Nova Party

Channel 14's program "HaPatriotim" (The Patriots) has once again sparked controversy following statements made on a panel discussing the October 7th massacre. During a discussion about the Simchat Torah celebrations at the Nova music festival site, panelist Avi Shoshan commented on a Buddha statue present at the event, suggesting that dancing near it on Simchat Torah constituted "idol worship."

This echoes remarks made by host Yinon Magal in January 2024, which also caused outrage. At that time, Magal had expressed his strong discomfort with people dancing near a Buddha statue at the festival. He later attempted to clarify his position, stating he did not blame anyone present and respected the victims' memory.

During the recent broadcast, Magal reiterated his sentiment, saying, "It bothers me that Jews are dancing with a Buddha statue. What can you do. It's a correction to dance with the Torah." He was referring to Simchat Torah celebrations held recently at the site in Re'im, which had already angered some bereaved families.

Channel 12 reporter Yaron Avraham sharply criticized Magal's remarks on his program "Shiva im Gidon Oku" (Seven with Gideon Oku). Avraham stated, "Listen, what is there to say. These are truly infuriating statements. I am really holding my tongue to avoid cursing on air."