Haredi Journalists Council Faces Coordinated Smear Campaign Ahead of Inaugural Conference in Jerusalem

Dozens of Haredi journalists and media professionals from various outlets are set to convene tomorrow at the Museum of Tolerance in Jerusalem for the historic launch of the Haredi Journalists Council. However, ahead of the foundational conference, a coordinated campaign appears to be attempting to undermine the initiative. Channel 14 published two critical reports within three days, alleging that the council's head is a "prominent leftist" and claiming that former Chief Rabbi David Lau withdrew from the event due to these reports.

These allegations have been strongly refuted by the council organizers. Rabbi Lau's office clarified that his absence was planned days in advance for technical reasons, as he is currently abroad on an official delegation to strengthen ties with the Jewish diaspora. The council organizers criticized Channel 14 for ignoring these facts and accused the channel of unethical journalism by rushing to publish unverified claims.

The attempt to brand the conference as a "leftist initiative" is also contradicted by the lineup of speakers, which includes prominent right-leaning and religious figures such as the current Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Kalman Bar, renowned educator Rabbi Ben Zion Nordman, and Dr. Avishai Ben Chaim, known for his association with right-wing and traditionalist causes. Organizers view the smear campaign as a deliberate effort to discredit a professional framework intended to support Haredi journalists, who currently lack institutional backing.

The council aims to unite journalists across streams and channels, providing legal representation, protection against threats and gag orders, and safeguarding freedom of the press within the Haredi community. The initiative is supported by the Sunrise Foundation, led by Avi Widerman, which operates under the guidance of leading rabbis and maintains a strictly professional stance.

Channel 14 had not responded to requests for comment by the time of publication. The Haredi Journalists Council and participating media outlets, including Kikar HaShabbat, emphasize their commitment to professional and independent journalism amid these challenges.