Shas Chairman Deri Defends Broadcaster Magal Amidst Controversy
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Shas Chairman Arie Deri defended broadcaster Yinon Magal after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned Magal's use of the term "monkey" to describe Gadi Eisenkot. Deri called the criticism "cheap demagoguery" and accused the left of fabricating a media storm. He also criticized the lack of condemnation for Yair Golan's remarks against the Haredi public. Deri expressed confidence in Magal's intentions and urged him to continue his work.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Shas Chairman Arie Deri defended broadcaster Yinon Magal against accusations of racism.
- Deri called the criticism of Magal "cheap demagoguery" and "pathetic consciousness engineering."
- Magal used the term "monkey" to describe Gadi Eisenkot, sparking widespread condemnation.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously condemned Magal's controversial remark.
- Deri contrasted the backlash against Magal with the lack of condemnation for Yair Golan's remarks against Haredim.
- Deri expressed personal confidence in Magal's intentions and urged him to remain steadfast.
Shas Chairman Arie Deri has publicly defended Yinon Magal, host of the program 'The Patriots,' following a controversy over Magal's remarks about Gadi Eisenkot. Deri accused the left of "cheap demagoguery" and "pathetic consciousness engineering" for allegedly taking Magal's words out of context and fabricating media storms.
The controversy erupted after Magal called Eisenkot a "monkey" during a discussion on 'The Patriots.' Critics, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who condemned the remark, argued that the term was racist given Eisenkot's Mizrahi (Eastern) heritage. Magal, however, explained that he used the term, which he also applied to former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, to describe someone acting as a front for others pulling the strings behind the scenes.
Deri, whose Shas party represents a largely traditional and Sephardic constituency, stated that he has known Magal for many years and is convinced he did not intend to offend the Mizrahi public. He asserted that Magal is a true patriot who respects the Mizrahi community and proudly voices the concerns of the religious and traditional bloc seeking to preserve a Jewish state.
Furthermore, Deri criticized the perceived lack of condemnation from the left and media for what he termed "racist statements" made by Yair Golan, Chairman of the Democrats, against the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) public, whom Golan allegedly called "parasites and ignoramuses." Deri urged Magal not to be deterred by the manufactured controversy, encouraging him to "continue to fight for Torah and truth" and to "not fear and not be dismayed."
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