Ofakim Mayor Demands Live TV Apology From Anchor Over Election Remarks
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Ofakim Mayor Itzik Danino is demanding a live on-air apology from Channel 12 anchor Dani Kushmaro. Kushmaro questioned election results in a neighborhood where 33 residents were killed on October 7th. Danino called the remarks insensitive, stating that the victims' memory should not be used for political criticism. The mayor emphasized the residents' bravery and right to make their own political choices, asserting Ofakim's right-wing identity.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Ofakim Mayor Itzik Danino demands a live TV apology from anchor Dani Kushmaro.
- Kushmaro questioned election results in a neighborhood hit by the October 7th massacre.
- 33 residents of the Mishor Gefen neighborhood were killed on October 7th.
- Mayor Danino called the anchor's remarks insensitive and offensive.
- The mayor highlighted residents' bravery and democratic voting rights.
- Ofakim is described as a proud right-wing city.
Ofakim Mayor Itzik Danino has formally demanded a public, live on-air apology from Channel 12 anchor Dani Kushmaro. The demand stems from Kushmaro's remarks on the "Ulpan Shishi" program regarding election results in the Mishor Gefen neighborhood of Ofakim. Kushmaro questioned why approximately 65% of the votes in the neighborhood went to the Netanyahu bloc, given that the prime minister led the country during the October 7th massacre that killed 33 residents of Mishor Gefen.
Mayor Danino considers Kushmaro's linking of the massacre to the residents' political choices to be insensitive and offensive. In a letter to Keshet CEO Avi Nir, Danino argued that the memory of the murdered residents should not be used to criticize the democratic choices of their neighbors. He emphasized that the community is still dealing with the aftermath of the disaster and that their loss should not be weaponized in political discourse.
Danino also highlighted the bravery of Ofakim residents during the October 7th attack, noting their actions in saving lives and their proven ability to make critical decisions. He stated that residents who demonstrated such courage do not need validation from a news anchor for their voting choices. The mayor asserted that Ofakim is a proud right-wing city and will not apologize for its residents' political preferences, noting the current right-wing government's significant role in the city's development and recovery efforts.
In addition to the official letter, Danino posted on social media directly addressing Kushmaro. He stressed that the 33 murdered residents were individuals, not statistics, and that neighbors lived together, sharing joy and sorrow, and respecting each other despite differing opinions. Danino reiterated his demand for a personal apology from Kushmaro, to be delivered live on air during the next broadcast he hosts, stating that freedom of the press does not absolve responsibility and political criticism does not justify disrespecting those who paid a heavy price.
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