Ayla Hasson Claims Persecution Amidst Kan 11 Dispute

Journalist Ayla Hasson has publicly criticized her employer, Kan 11, alleging she is being persecuted and silenced. In an interview with Galey Israel, Hasson stated that "they are jealous of my success, jealous of my determination, jealous that I do not bow down, that I do not break." She vowed that "no Bolshevik will silence me, no politicization will silence me, and no fake whitewashing will silence me." Hasson became emotional when discussing the personal toll the dispute has taken on her family and loved ones, stating, "She is hurting those around me and my loved ones, who are not guilty of anything, but she will not silence me." Hasson recounted her extensive work during the war years, supporting soldiers, hostages, and bereaved families, and questioned why she is now facing workplace persecution. The conflict stems from a demand by Lior Landenberg, head of Kan 11's News Division, for Hasson to issue a public on-air apology and clarification. This demand followed her remarks about Bedouin women in the Negev and alleged irregularities in Arab community polling stations during elections. While Hasson had already issued a social media apology regarding the Bedouin women comments, which the corporation's ethics committee accepted, the news division management insisted on a broadcast clarification. Kan 11 explained that Hasson's statements were generalizing and inaccurate, potentially undermining public trust in election results. Hasson, however, argues the required wording misrepresents her statements and infringes on her journalistic independence. Due to the disagreement, Hasson has been absent from her program on Kan 11, and her return to the air is currently uncertain.