This week, media outlets reported on the mass Jerusalem rally, a non-partisan show of solidarity from Jews around the world and across the political spectrum. Many diaspora Jews flew in to attend, and busloads came from 100 towns and villages throughout Israel.
HonestReporting encourages activists to monitor and respond to media bias. Below are two separate action steps, to protest biased reporting of the Jerusalem event.
Thank you for your ongoing involvement in the battle against media bias.
HonestReporting.com
ACTION #1 – NEW YORK TIMES
To the Editor of the New York Times:
[email protected].
I read with curiosity your article on the Jerusalem rally.
Why do you characterize the crowd at Monday’s mass Jerusalem rally as “religious and nationalist Israelis?”
In fact, rally participants were not primarily from Judea, Samaria, the Gaza Strip, or the Jordan Valley. They were from the entire spectrum of Israeli society. They came from as far north as Kiryat Shmona and as far south as Eilat — as well as many who flew in from the diaspora. They were left, right, Russians, religious and secular.
I believe The Times unfairly advances a myth that the Israeli public is divided on the issue of Jerusalem. Many Jews who are neither nationalistic nor religious see Temple Mount concessions as a very unfair element of current negotiations. Even Barak continues to repeat his strong opposition to relinquishing sovereignty over Old City sites.
I believe I have raised a serious point, and I look forward to your reply.
ACTION #2 – ASSOCIATED PRESS
To the Editor of the Associated Press:
[email protected]
I viewed with curiosity your photo and caption about the rally in Jerusalem.
Why do you refer to the crowd as “thousands of Israelis” at Monday’s mass rally in Jerusalem?
Across-the-board consensus from European, American, and Israeli media estimate at least one-quarter-million attendees:
- The Washington Post reports: “The rally, centered at the Jaffa Gate entrance to the walled Old City, was said to be the largest demonstration ever in Jerusalem and one of the largest in recent Israeli history, attracting a quarter-million people, according to police estimates.”
- The Jerusalem Postcalls it “some 300,000 people.”
- The Los Angeles Times writes of “more than 200,000 Israelis and Jews from around the world.”
- The Times of London says: “more than 200,000 Israelis.”
- Israeli TV-1 reports that “about 300,000 attended.”
I ask: Why does the Associated Press stand isolated amongst world media in minimizing the outpouring of Jewish support for Jerusalem?
I believe I have raised a serious point, and I look forward to your reply.
