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Director’s Message
Welcome to HonestReporting’s Q1 activities report. I could not have imagined when the year began that I’d be writing this letter from home isolation as the entire world reels from a pandemic.Instead of the usual photo of me, I’m accompanying this letter with a screen shot from a recent staff meeting: with everyone working digitally, of course!
The suffering and uncertainty caused by the coronavirus forces us to put our work and our lives in perspective. Family and health are suddenly not to be taken for granted.
Yet as we juggle all our responsibilities and uncertainties, care for our children and our communities, the news cycle isn’t waiting for a return to normalcy.
During Q1, the Mideast was rocked by the targeted killing of Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani. The White House took the bubble wrap off a controversial “Deal of the Century” peace plan. Israel held a national election. Astonishing developments in the Knesset suggest that a year of political deadlock is coming to an end. And of course, Israel has been unfairly bashed in the media for its responsible measures in dealing with COVID-19.
Despite the difficulties of working under challenging lockdown circumstances, our staff managed to increase the number of videos, roundups and articles to help readers make sense of the political shifts, address antisemitic corona conspiracy theories and clarify media misconceptions. While many organizations were forced to scale back their activities, HonestReporting stepped up its production.
We can’t predict when we’ll be able to return to normal living, but HonestReporting will be there working both proactively and responding to events as they occur in real time for Israel.
Thank you for your continued support and wishing you and your family health and safety.
Daniel Pomerantz and the HonestReporting team
HonestReporting’s video project had its most successful quarter ever. Reaching out to young people where they are and in a medium they understand, our video staff produced 24 videos, a record output for a single quarter.
Our “We Remember” video on the dangers of media propaganda and the impact it had in brainwashing Germans during the Holocaust was viewed more than two million times, which is more than the average ratings for any prime time newscast.
Other video topics addressed antisemitic coronavirus conspiracy theories, the United Nations blacklist on companies doing business in Israeli settlements, and Qasem Soleimani.
We also produced two well-received videos featuring HonestReporting’s head of community outreach, former Member of Knesset Dov Lipman explaining unfolding developments in the Knesset as the Blue and White and Likud parties moved towards national unity.
- Education
We’ve upped the amount of content on our website to include topics that people look for when they want answers about Israel and the Middle East. Articles included a five-part series on Israel’s relationship with the United Nations, and several pieces on how Israel is addressing the coronavirus.
Here is just a small selection of other in-depth posts written and published by HonestReporting staff and guest writers during the first quarter:
- Are Israel and Turkey on a Collision Course in the Eastern Med?
- Lessons From Palestinian Rule Over Bethlehem
- Misleading Palestinian Maps Twist the Truth
- What is E1 and How Crucial is it to the Security of Israel?
One such article caught the eye of the influential British parliamentarian Baroness Ruth Deech.
- HR in the Media?
March 24:
The Truth About Coronavirus and Gaza, Daniel Pomerantz, The Algemeiner
January 16 and 19:
Daniel Pomerantz also appeared on ILTV on January 16 and 19, where he discussed a government ban on Jewish extremists entering the West Bank.
Jan 19:
UK Newspaper Distorts Positive New York Times Story on Jews, Emanuel Miller, The Algemeiner
- Speaking Events?
In January, Simon Plosker visited Baltimore to discuss media bias and current events. His talks at a Baltimore Jewish Council community event, a JCC of Greater Baltimore breakfast for communal professionals and at the Bnei Jacob Shaarei Zion Synagogue, were well-received.
Daniel Pomerantz addressed a gathering of Hadassah Israel on Feb. 24 on how to stand up for Israel without losing your friends.
As restrictions on gatherings made public speaking appearances impossible, we pivoted to livestream videos on Facebook. Daniel Pomerantz discussed coronavirus issues. And HonestReporting’s head of community outreach, former Member of Knesset Dov Lipman explained unfolding developments in the Knesset.
His videos sparked appreciative feedback from subscribers:
“Excellent summary by Rabbi Lipman. Thank you.”
Irv Gotsman
“Fabulous!
This is so helpful. Thank you.”
Prof. Sandra M. Pulver
“Dov is fabulous.
Keep him happenin!”
Dale
- Social Media Impact
1.59 million
Facebook reach
1.59 million impressions
1.5 million
1.5 million impressions
2.5 million
Video
We made 24 videos that were viewed 2.5 million times
