As we begin 2024, HonestReporting looks back on the past year, in which we published almost 400 long-form news critiques, in-depth educational articles, and videos. In addition to effecting tangible change, our viral content reached millions of readers around the globe, due to our continually growing social media presence.
Here’s a recap of the top 10 HonestReporting articles that grabbed the attention of readers in 2023:
1. Broken Borders: AP & Reuters Pictures of Hamas Atrocities Raise Ethical Questions
In November, HonestReporting profiled several Gazan freelance photojournalists whose images of the October 7 Hamas attacks were published in esteemed international news outlets like Associated Press, Reuters, The New York Times, and CNN. We questioned the ethics of publishing photos by those who had illegally crossed the border between Israel and Gaza and inquired as to what level of knowledge these freelancers had prior to the early-morning infiltration of October 7.
Following the publication of this article, it was revealed that Hassan Eslaiah, one of the photojournalists who infiltrated Israel on October 7, had previously taken a photo with Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. AP and CNN subsequently severed ties with him.
2. CNN & NBC Give Airtime to Woman Who Celebrated Hamas Massacre & Wished Hitler Had Finished the Job
In mid-October, as the world’s attention was increasingly focused on the developing war between Israel and Hamas, both CNN & NBC chose to highlight the war’s human aspect by interviewing Dunia Abu Rahma, a 22-year-old architecture student from Gaza.
However, as HonestReporting discovered, Abu Rahma’s social media was filled with antisemitc exhortations and praise for Hamas’ October 7 atrocities.
3. The Antisemitic Social Media History of AP’s Correspondent in Gaza
Only days after Hamas’ October 7 atrocities and the launch of Israel’s military response against the terror group, HonestReporting revealed that AP’s main reporter in Gaza, Issam Adwan, had a long history of posting antisemitic and pro-terror content on social media.
Following an HonestReporting-led campaign, AP announced that it had suspended ties with Adwan.
4. OUTRAGE: New York Times Defends Rehiring Pro-Hitler, Pro-Terror Freelancer in Gaza
In 2022, HonestReporting exposed several Gaza-based journalists as being virulent and unapologetic antisemites. In response, several international media outlets cut ties with these journalists.
However, in October, it was reported that the byline of Soliman Hijjy, who had a history of fawning over Hitler and celebrating anti-Israel terrorism, had re-appeared in New York Times articles on the war between Israel and Hamas. In response to media inquiries, The New York Times defended his re-hiring. But his byline has not been seen since our article.
5. Irish Times Sounds Excited at Prospect of Iranian ‘400 Seconds to Tel Aviv’ Missile
In June, Iran unveiled a hypersonic missile that it claimed could reach Tel Aviv in 400 seconds.
While most news organizations reported on the Iranian threat against the Jewish state, Irish Times correspondent Michael Jansen seemed excited by the prospect of this new “game-changer” weapon.
6. How The ‘Golda’ Movie Became a Vehicle to Spread Hate
When the ‘Golda’ bio-pic was released in August, it was received with great fanfare in Israel and around the world.
However, it also served as a lightning rod for those seeking to impugn the Jewish state, from CNN’s reviewer to the rabidly anti-Israel organization Jewish Voice for Peace.
7. BBC Anchor Utters Blood Libel During Live Interview With Ex-Israel PM Naftali Bennett
In a live interview with former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennet about a July counterterrorism raid in the hotbed of Jenin, BBC News presenter Anjana Gadgil claimed that “The Israeli forces are happy to kill children.”
Following an international outcry (including an official complaint from HonestReporting), the BBC apologized for the spreading of a classic antisemitic trope on its publicly funded airwaves.
8. The Dangerous Lies of Guardian Columnist Owen Jones About Israel-Hamas War
One of the biggest drivers of misinformation during the current Israel-Hamas war has been the Guardian’s most high-profile columnist, Owen Jones.
Through his appearances in print and on TV, Jones has diminished Hamas atrocities and simultaneously misrepresented Israeli actions, all in an effort to delegitimize the Jewish state and to whitewash its terrorist enemies.
9. John Oliver Misses the Mark on Israel & Hamas
More than a month into Israel’s war against Hamas, British comedian John Oliver dedicated a substantial amount of time on his HBO news show to discuss the ongoing conflict.
While trying to present a thought-provoking analysis, Oliver’s take on Israel and Hamas was overly simplistic, devoid of nuance, and fell far short of a well-rounded factual overview.
10. Israel-Hamas War Proves America’s Ivy League Colleges Are Festering With Violent Antisemitism
One of the most disturbing trends to emerge following Hamas’ October 7 brutal invasion of Israel has been the sympathetic reception these atrocities have received on Ivy League college campuses.
From Harvard and Yale to Columbia and Cornell, this piece takes a look at the professors and students who have taken a public stance against the Jewish state and in support of Hamas in the weeks following October 7.
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