Haredi Journalists Council Faces Coordinated Smear Campaign Ahead of Inaugural Conference in Jerusalem
How 2 Israeli newsrooms covered this story — translated into English and compared side by side.
By חנני ברייטקופף
First reported by Now 14 · Jul 12, 2026
What happened
Ahead of the inaugural conference of the Haredi Journalists Council in Jerusalem, Channel 14 published critical reports accusing the council's leadership of leftist affiliations and falsely claiming former Chief Rabbi David Lau withdrew due to these reports. Organizers refuted these claims, clarifying Rabbi Lau's absence was pre-planned for official reasons. The council seeks to provide legal and professional support to Haredi journalists and faces a coordinated smear campaign attempting to undermine its launch.
- 01Haredi Journalists Council to hold inaugural conference in Jerusalem tomorrow.
- 02Channel 14 published two critical reports alleging leftist leadership and Rabbi Lau's withdrawal.
- 03Rabbi Lau's office confirmed his absence was pre-planned for official overseas delegation.
- 04Conference speakers include prominent right-leaning religious figures, contradicting leftist claims.
- 05Council aims to protect Haredi journalists with legal aid and professional support.
- 06Organizers accuse Channel 14 of unethical journalism and spreading unverified claims.
Summary translated & synthesized from the sources below by baba. Read each original for the full report.
Full coverage · 2 outlets
The same event, reported separately by each newsroom. Open a few to compare what each emphasizes — and what they leave out.
