Channel 13 Suspends Eyal Berkovich Over Racist Remarks
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Channel 13 has suspended media personality Eyal Berkovich after he questioned the doctoral degrees of politician Abdoul-Sayed and MK Ahmed Tibi, sparking accusations of racism. The remarks were made during his show "Moriyah and Berkovich" and led to a clarification meeting with the network. Channel 13 stated that while they support free speech, racist statements are unacceptable and do not align with their values.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Eyal Berkovich suspended from Channel 13 for questioning academic credentials of politicians.
- Berkovich's remarks about Abdoul-Sayed and Ahmed Tibi led to accusations of racism.
- Channel 13 stated Berkovich's comments were unacceptable and against company values.
- The suspension followed a clarification meeting with the media personality.
- Ahmed Tibi is a Member of Knesset and a physician by training.
Israeli media personality Eyal Berkovich has been suspended from broadcasting on Channel 13 following controversial remarks he made questioning the doctoral degrees of politician Abdoul-Sayed and Member of Knesset Ahmed Tibi. The comments, made during his program "Moriyah and Berkovich," sparked accusations of racism.
Berkovich's suspension followed a clarification meeting with the network after he expressed skepticism about the academic credentials of Abdoul-Sayed, a Democratic politician from Michigan known for his criticism of Israel. During a live segment, Channel 13 reporter Soleiman Maswadeh introduced Abdoul-Sayed as a doctor, prompting Berkovich to question the validity of the title. Maswadeh confirmed Abdoul-Sayed holds the degree.
Berkovich then extended his skepticism to MK Ahmed Tibi, stating, "They also say Ahmed Tibi is a doctor, so they say, let him bring the certificate." Maswadeh clarified that Tibi is a physician by training, but Berkovich continued his remarks, sarcastically suggesting his co-host Moriyah Asraf was also a doctor.
Channel 13 issued a statement condemning the remarks, asserting that "freedom of expression and diversity of opinions are cornerstones of free journalism, but they do not justify racist statements. The things said yesterday on the program Moriyah and Berkovich are unacceptable and do not align with the company's values." The network confirmed that the clarification meeting led to Berkovich's immediate suspension from broadcasting.
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