Israeli Writer Accuses Media of Racism and Inciting Against Arab Citizens
Translated & summarized from Al-Shams by baba
An Israeli writer, Moran Sherer, has accused Israeli media of normalizing racism and inciting against Arab citizens, particularly after the October 7 attacks. Sherer's article in Haaretz details how Arab voices were excluded from broadcasts, while accusations of fraud and terrorism were leveled against Arab parties following their strong performance in recent elections, where they won 19 seats. The writer highlighted specific incidents of alleged racism by media personalities and criticized the media's platforming of far-right figures and unsubstantiated claims about election irregularities.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israeli writer Moran Sherer accuses media of normalizing racism and inciting against Arab citizens.
- Arab voices were largely excluded from Israeli TV after October 7, replaced by military analysts.
- Media personalities questioned Arab election results and accused parties of fraud and supporting terrorism.
- Arab parties' success in winning 19 seats reportedly disrupted the Israeli political and media landscape.
- Far-right figures were given platforms to make anti-Arab incitement, according to the article.
- The writer argues media should listen to Arab citizens, not treat them with suspicion.
An Israeli writer, Moran Sherer, has accused Israeli television news studios of normalizing racism and inciting against the Arab community, excluding Arab voices from broadcasts, and questioning the results of recent elections by accusing Arab parties of fraud and supporting terrorism. Sherer argued in an article published by Haaretz that the media has contributed to making racism a legitimate political and media stance in Israel.
According to Sherer, TV channels began excluding Arabs from their screens after October 7, 2023, filling news studios with analysts and former military officials while Arab voices were largely absent. This coincided with calls to destroy Gaza and accusations that Arabs generally support terrorism. Sherer noted that this exclusion was not as prevalent in previous decades, citing Israeli TV shows and series that featured Arab figures and discussed general issues with Arab experts and academics, not solely in the context of Palestinian issues or minority rights.
The writer highlighted a controversy involving Israeli media personality Eyal Berkovich, who questioned the academic qualifications of Member of Knesset Ahmad Tibi and US Senator-elect Abd al-Hayy al-Sayyid on Channel 13, with presenter Moriah Asraf laughing. Sherer viewed this incident as reflecting arrogance and racism towards Arabs and Muslims. Berkovich had previously made anti-Arab statements, calling Arab MKs terrorists, while Asraf consistently labeled them as "supporters of terrorism." The article suggests that Channel 13's management only addressed these issues after widespread criticism, leading to Berkovich's temporary suspension.
Sherer linked the media's discourse on Arabs to the recent election results, where Arab parties secured 19 seats, suggesting this success disrupted the Israeli political and media landscape and prompted some outlets to question the legitimacy of Arab votes. He pointed to media figures like Amit Segal, Yair Sherki, and Dafna Liel who repeated accusations of bribery, fraud, and foreign interference in the elections without providing evidence. Similarly, presenter Ayala Hasson's coverage on Kan 11, which included claims of irregularities in Arab towns' ballot boxes and voter bribery, also drew criticism and led to her temporary suspension.
The writer contended that the circulation of these accusations portrayed the participation of hundreds of thousands of Arab citizens in elections as an act serving Israel's enemies, rather than a democratic right. The article also noted the media's hosting of far-right figures like Itamar Ben-Gvir, Bezalel Smotrich, and Zvi Sokot, who used television platforms for anti-Arab incitement. Sherer concluded that media institutions have a responsibility to listen to Arab citizens, understand their issues, and convey their voices, rather than treating them with constant suspicion or as subjects of mockery and doubt.
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