Journalist Bani Tzipor Recounts Dramatic Exit From Haaretz
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Veteran journalist Bani Tzipor discussed his dismissal from Haaretz after 37 years, stating he was never given a reason. He felt unable to express himself freely in his later years at the paper and believes his public support for Sara Netanyahu led to social estrangement. Tzipor speculated that individuals around publisher Amos Schocken may have influenced his termination, though he acknowledged Schocken's past trust in him. He also shared personal reflections on his daughter's past relationship and return to religious observance.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Journalist Bani Tzipor was dismissed from Haaretz after 37 years without a stated reason.
- Tzipor felt he could not express himself freely in his later years at the newspaper.
- He believes his public support for Sara Netanyahu led to social repercussions and estrangement.
- Tzipor speculated that others around publisher Amos Schocken influenced his termination.
- He described his departure from Haaretz as a "banishment from paradise."
Journalist Bani Tzipor, a veteran of the Israeli newspaper Haaretz for 37 years, described his departure from the publication as a "banishment from paradise" in a recent interview. Tzipor, who appeared on Channel 14's "Sicha" program with Oded Harosh, stated that he was never given an official reason for his dismissal. He felt that in his later years at Haaretz, he could not express himself freely and had to "think twice" about what he said, even when appearing on television. Tzipor believes his dismissal has liberated him from the fear of jeopardizing his livelihood.
A significant turning point for Tzipor was his encounter with Sara Netanyahu, the wife of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He recounted that prior to meeting her, he had been exposed to overwhelmingly negative portrayals, describing her as far worse than a "monster." Tzipor stood by a past column where he likened Netanyahu to a "gladiator thrown into a pit of wild animals to entertain the left-wing mob." However, he noted that his evolving views and public support for Netanyahu led to social repercussions, with friends distancing themselves from him.
Tzipor suggested that his proximity to the political world, which he had previously been insulated from within the "Haaretz bubble," broadened his perspective. Despite his changed stance, Tzipor refrained from attributing his firing directly to his political views, noting that Haaretz continued to employ him for a decade after his views shifted. He recalled publisher Amos Schocken's past confidence in him, stating Schocken once said Tzipor was his father's appointment and that he trusted him "one hundred percent."
However, Tzipor speculated that individuals around Schocken might have influenced the decision to terminate his employment, suggesting they told Schocken, "Enough already, your father gave him the job, so enough already, we're tired of it." When asked for the official reason for his dismissal, Tzipor reiterated, "I really don't know, because they didn't give me a reason."
He also shared a personal anecdote about his daughter's past relationship with a Muslim man before her religious observance, expressing his initial dismay. Tzipor critiqued the political left for embracing coexistence as a slogan rather than in practice. He concluded by reflecting on his daughter's return to religious observance, attributing it to an inherent "Jewish spark."