Channel 13 Reporter Celebrates Host's Suspension After On-Air Clash
Translated & summarized from Kipa by baba
Channel 13 host Eyal Berkovich has been suspended following racist remarks made on air and a prior confrontation with journalist Lucy Aharish. The suspension came after Berkovich questioned the academic credentials of a guest and referenced Knesset Member Ahmad Tibi. Channel 13 stated that while freedom of expression is valued, it does not permit racist statements, deeming Berkovich's comments unacceptable.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Channel 13 host Eyal Berkovich was suspended for alleged racist remarks made on air.
- Berkovich questioned the doctorate of a guest and referenced Knesset Member Ahmad Tibi.
- The suspension followed a public spat where Berkovich told journalist Lucy Aharish to "calm down."
- A Channel 13 correspondent posted a celebratory, though quickly deleted, social media message about the suspension.
- Channel 13 stated that racist remarks are unacceptable and violate company values.
Channel 13 correspondent Suliman Maswadeh celebrated the suspension of host Eyal Berkovich by posting a now-deleted Instagram story that read, "Every dog has its day." Berkovich was suspended after making remarks described by Channel 13 as racist during a broadcast. The incident occurred when Maswadeh was reporting on Abdul El-Sayed, a Democratic Party figure from Michigan known for his criticism of Israel. Berkovich interrupted Maswadeh, questioning whether El-Sayed actually held a doctorate. Co-host Moriyah Asraf confirmed El-Sayed's academic credentials, but Berkovich then brought up Knesset Member Ahmad Tibi, stating, "They also say Ahmad Tibi is a doctor, so they say, let him bring the certificate."
This comment followed a recent public confrontation between Berkovich and journalist Lucy Aharish. After Aharish called Berkovich and Asraf "racists," Berkovich responded, "Calm down, you're not in the village here." Aharish demanded an apology and refused to appear on air again. Berkovich avoided a direct apology, calling his remark potentially "not right" but felt people had "gone too far."
Following the accumulation of these incidents and statements, Berkovich was summoned for a clarification meeting with the channel's management. Channel 13 issued a statement emphasizing that while freedom of expression is fundamental, it does not legitimize racist remarks. The statement declared that Berkovich's comments were unacceptable and contrary to the company's values, leading to his immediate suspension.
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