For an Open, Democratic Debate Concerning Israel's Policies


 

Publication Date: July 2009

Publisher: National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership (U.S.)

Author(s): David Kraemer

Research Area: Culture and religion

Keywords: Israel Attachment; Public Policies; Media; Public Opinion

Type: Brief

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

The author writes a reaction to an ad sponsored by The New Israel Fund entitled "Voice for Democracy." The ad asks for a more open debate in Jewish communities around the world regarding Israel's policies. The author asserts that in the U.S, much debate on Israel's policies is censored as many journalists are apprehensive of holding dissenting opinions due to a potential backlash. However, he proposes that because political debate is far more free-flowing in Israel, it would be beneficial for American news sources to publish translated articles from Israeli papers that represent diverse opinions on Israel's policies.