Haaretz Journalist Neri Livneh Criticizes Publisher Over Age and Gender Bias
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Veteran Israeli journalist Neri Livneh, 73, revealed she has Parkinson's disease and accused Haaretz publisher Amos Schocken of age and gender discrimination, claiming all female journalists are fired after 55. Livneh expressed distress over the post-October 7th social and political climate in Israel but stated she will remain in the country. Schocken, a prominent figure in Israeli media, has a long history of leading Haaretz's liberal-left stance and has faced criticism for his management and editorial decisions.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Journalist Neri Livneh, 73, revealed Parkinson's diagnosis and accused Haaretz publisher Amos Schocken of age and gender bias.
- Livneh claims all female journalists at Haaretz are fired after age 55, citing a pattern of discrimination.
- She expressed shock at post-October 7th "Jewish terror" but affirmed her commitment to remaining in Israel.
- Livneh spoke about the personal challenges of her Parkinson's diagnosis and learning to accept help.
- Amos Schocken is a long-standing publisher known for Haaretz's liberal-left editorial line and has faced controversy.
Veteran Israeli journalist Neri Livneh, 73, has spoken out about her Parkinson's diagnosis and leveled sharp criticism against Haaretz publisher Amos Schocken, alleging a pattern of age and gender discrimination within the newspaper. In a podcast interview, Livneh revealed she had hidden her Parkinson's diagnosis for over a year, feeling ashamed. She described the public revelation, which she felt was forced upon her, as a release, enabling her to learn to accept help. The illness has also prompted a reevaluation of her priorities, making her feel more tired and fearful about the future.
Livneh directly addressed rumors of her dismissal, stating that no female journalist at Haaretz has remained employed past the age of 55, claiming they were all fired. She recounted telling Schocken 14 years ago when he considered firing her, "Amos, you fired her five years ago, don't you remember?" referring to another journalist. Livneh attributes this to ageism and sexism, noting her own love for writing and the potential tragedy of being forced out, despite her right to be fired at 73.
Reflecting on Israel's social and political climate post-October 7th, Livneh expressed shock at "Jewish terror," comparing the perpetrators' actions to Hamas. Despite her despair and the option of relocating to Berlin, she affirmed her commitment to staying in Israel, finding solace in Hebrew songs and the need for people who understand Hebrew subtext. Livneh, known for her sharp, humorous, and personal writing style over decades at Haaretz, is considered a prominent and opinionated figure in Israeli journalism, having paved the way for personal-feminist publicist writing.
Amos Schocken, publisher of Haaretz and chairman of the Haaretz Group, comes from a family that acquired the newspaper in 1935. He is known for leading the paper's distinct liberal-left editorial line, viewing it as a democratic and ideological mission. Schocken has faced significant public and political criticism from both the right, for the paper's stances on the IDF and government policy, and from within, including from veteran journalists like Livneh, regarding his management style, employment policies, and the paper's financial struggles in the digital age. Despite controversies, he remains an influential and debated figure in Israeli media.