News Correspondent's Scathing Message Sparks Controversy Amidst Presenter Suspension
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
News 13 correspondent Suliman Maswadeh posted and deleted a controversial Arabic message on Instagram, sparking speculation about internal channel disputes. This followed the suspension of presenter Eyal Berkovich for questioning an academic's title during a broadcast. Co-presenter Moriyah Asraf defended Berkovich and criticized media censorship, while promising to continue featuring diverse viewpoints on their show.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- News 13 correspondent Suliman Maswadeh posted and deleted a harsh Arabic message on Instagram.
- Presenter Eyal Berkovich was suspended by News 13 for controversial remarks about an academic's title.
- Moriyah Asraf defended Berkovich and criticized the lack of diverse opinions in mainstream media.
- Maswadeh's deleted message was interpreted as a reference to internal conflicts at News 13.
- Berkovich is expected to return to the airwaves in the coming days.
Suliman Maswadeh, a News 13 correspondent in the United States, ignited a firestorm on social media after posting a harsh message in Arabic on his Instagram account, which he quickly deleted. The post, which included the phrase "Every dog, its day will come, one after the other," accompanied by a "wait and see" emoji, was interpreted by many as a veiled reference to internal conflicts at the channel.
The incident occurred in the wake of a dispute between Maswadeh and fellow presenter Eyal Berkovich, who was suspended from broadcasting following controversial remarks made during a program with Moriyah Asraf. During a segment discussing the election of Dr. Abdul al-Sayed, described as holding strong anti-Israeli views, to the US Senate, Berkovich questioned al-Sayed's academic title, drawing parallels to Ahmad Tibi and stating, "Everyone is given the title of doctor. Did you check if he is a doctor? They also call Ahmad Tibi a doctor."
News 13 issued a statement condemning Berkovich's remarks as unacceptable and contrary to the company's values, announcing his immediate suspension pending a clarification discussion. The channel emphasized that while freedom of expression is a cornerstone of free journalism, it does not legitimize racist statements.
In response to the controversy, Moriyah Asraf delivered a monologue defending Berkovich and criticizing what she perceives as a lack of diverse opinions in mainstream media. She argued that many voices in Israeli society are delegitimized, even when presenting valid arguments. Asraf also addressed a critical opinion piece in the Haaretz newspaper that called for her dismissal, asserting that her convictions are strong and that she will not be silenced.
Asraf concluded by acknowledging Berkovich's absence from the program due to his suspension but assured viewers that he would return soon. She pledged to continue fostering a platform for a wide range of views, particularly for those whose voices are often unheard in other media outlets.
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