In the past few weeks, HonestReporting staff have been traveling around the globe running media bias workshops and speaking at community events to hundreds of people. Here are some of the highlights.
Spending Independence Day in the UK
HR Managing Editor Simon Plosker visited the UK as the guest of the Manchester Jewish community as part of their Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrations.
On the night of Yom Ha’atzmaut, Simon was the guest speaker at the joint seudah (festive meal) organized by the Stenecourt Synagogue and King David High School. Some 300 members of the community and students listened to Simon give a presentation on Israel’s performance vis a vis the international media during Operation Pillar of Defense and highlighted examples of the type of media bias seen during the military campaign.
The following day, Simon was the guest of the Jewish Society at Cheadle Hulme School, a prestigious private day school. 30 students, both Jewish and non-Jewish listened to a presentation on photo bias in the media, which was extremely well received.
“The session was really, really good…possibly the best ever.” – Louis Rawlings, Cheadle Hulme Jewish Society head.
Simon then traveled to Liverpool, where he was hosted by a supporter of HonestReporting who managed to fit over 50 people into his living room for a full presentation on media bias and the work of HonestReporting.
The following evening saw a return trip to Manchester to address the inaugural meeting of Whitefield Hebrew Congregation’s Friends of Israel group, which attracted some 150 people. This successful event was covered by the local Jewish Telegraph.
From Brazil to Boston
HR CEO Joe Hyams was welcomed back to the warm reception of the Sao Paulo community in Brazil, home to a growing number of supporters and activists for our global brand. Highlights of the trip included a presentation at the CIP Community Center to local organizational leaders. From the Al-Dura affair to more recent examples of media manipulation, Joe explored the categories of bias we all need to be on the lookout for, and how at a local level we can each play a role in responding effectively. A big ‘thank you’ to Mr and Mrs Kulikovsky for organizing this opportunity.
K-Space represents a growing network of meeting locations for young Jewish professionals. HonestReporting has had the opportunity to present to the Miami branch in the past and looks forward to future visits at the two new branches due to open later this year. At K-Space Joe engaged with the diverse and enthusiastic audience, focusing on visual and multimedia opportunities, as well as threats, in the fast paced digital news marketplace.
On behalf of all K Space Brazil, we were extremely honored by Joe’s visit. We had an enriching and inspiring experience and we hope to see you again!
Joe moved on to Boston where he presented to over 100 people as guest lecturer at Young Israel of Brookline. In the wake of the Marathon Bombings, Joe focused his lecture on mass medias role and responsibility in the wake of terror attacks. He shared his personal experiences following the 2005 London bombings, and described how he has seen Israeli society address and work through the psychological challenges in the wake of events that impact whole communities.
With thanks and appreciation to Peter Halmagyi, photographer, for his hard work throughout the trip. For all your photographic needs he can be contacted at: USA: +1(818) 625 4040; Web: www.PHphoto.us; E-mail: [email protected]
