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January 2006 - The Israeli Media Coverage of the Arab Society

Symposium: “Media Rights as Collective Political & Cultural Rights: The Arabic Channel – A Case Study.”

As part of the “Responsible and Professional Media” project a symposium was held looking at the potentials for media, focusing on, and serving minority groups, in Mary's Well Hotel, Nazareth on 2 nd December. See newsletter for further detail [1]

Heavy restrictions placed on Palestinian journalists by the General Security Services (GSS or Shabak)

After months of growing concern by Palestinian journalists over interrogations on professional relationships with Arab counterparts outside of Israel , Mr Anton Shalhat, journalist and writer was prohibited to leave the country by the office of Ariel Sharon and the Ministry of Interior. See report or the newsletter for further detail [2]

Expert's guide

150 names of experts, such as civil society actors and academics from the Palestinian community in Israel , have been compiled into a handy guide, available in Arabic, Hebrew and soon, in English. See newsletter for further detail [3]

Journalists tour to the Refugee camps Dheisha and Aida

“The Story of Being Refugees in their Own Land ,” tour took twelve Palestinian journalists to the Dheisha and Aida refugee camps in Bethlehem , on 11 December, to gain first-hand knowledge of the reality facing refugees living in these camps. See newsletter for further detail [4]

Intensive Training for Palestinian Journalists in the Negev

I'lam began implementation of a second intensive training program aimed at journalists from the Negev region on 22 December 2005 , to improve their journalistic capacities in this region, where many important news events go underreported or unreported. See newsletter for further detail [5]

Documentary Film about the Negev

I'lam has produced a 52-minute documentary exploring the struggle of Palestinians in the Negev , particularly those living in ‘unrecognized villages', for the recognition of their indigenous land rights. See newsletter for further detail [6]

Conference in Ramallah for Palestinian Journalists from both sides of the Green Line.

Exploring strategies for Palestinian media practitioners in addressing Israeli, European, and US-American media, I'lam's delegation of Palestinian journalists from Israel contributed a unique perspective. Around 100 participants, on 25-26 September, discussed how to effectively communicate the Palestinian position, and accompanying implementation strategies. See newsletter for further detail [7]

Human Rights Outreach Activities for Journalists

A roundtable entitled “Journalists Under Fire,” was organized on 23 September by I'lam and Acri, with the aim of discussing with journalists issues of reporting in conflict and war zones. Thirty-five participants (mainly journalists from the Arabic and Hebrew media) actively took part in the roundtable. Three of the main local Arabic newspapers (Kol al-Arab, Hadith al-Nas and al-Ittihad) gave media coverage to this activity.

Mission Statement

I'lam is a non-profit organization based in Nazareth . It was founded in 2000, by a group of Arab journalists and academics. As the only Arab Palestinian media organization in Israel , I'lam is deeply committed to the democratization of media policies, media practices, and the media landscape in Israel .

Our approach is two-fold:

The Media Rights Program supports impartiality, fairness, and equity in Israeli media policy, in conformity with democratic values. Furthermore, we encourage Israeli media institutions and practitioners to adopt more professional, unbiased standards in their coverage of the Arab citizens of Israel .

In our Empowerment Program , we aim to empower Arab society, particularly Arab journalists, by promoting equal access to the Israeli media, by encouraging the free flow of information and representation at media bodies and institutions, and through the fostering of professional standards.

With its commitment to media democracy, expertise, professionalism, and the high level of staff motivation, I'lam contributes to the invigoration of civil society, and the promotion of democracy and human rights in Israel .

Did you know that…

• Arab Palestinians make up more than 18% of the citizenry of the state of Israel?
• More than 60% of all Arab Palestinian children in Israel are living below the poverty line?
• Since the beginning of the second Intifada in September 2000 through to March 2003, Israeli authorities have been responsible for over 400 violations of journalists' rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories , ranging from mere bureaucratic harassment to outright killings?
• After investigating more than 30 cases of media rights violations of Arab Palestinian journalists from Israel during October 2000 until July 2004, I'lam found that Israeli Authorities violate the legal, professional, and physical rights of these journalists at nearly every level?
• When considering the totality of journalistic reports in Israeli newspapers, only two percent deal with issues related to Arab citizens of Israel , and 80-90% of those are negative in orientation?
• Arab citizens of Israel are usually portrayed as “invaders”, a “demographic threat” or a “security threat” in the Hebrew media in Israel?
• From amongst 1,000 administrative, technical and professional staff employed at the three main newspapers (Ha'aretz, Ma'ariv, and Yediot Aharonot), only 2 to 3 of them are Arab (0.3% to 1%)?
• Forty-six Arab villages located in the Negev (al-Naqab) remain “unrecognized” by the Israeli government and as such suffer from a total lack of basic services, while being consistently threatened with and subjected to home demolitions, land destruction, and toxic spraying campaigns conducted by agents of the Israeli Land Authority?
• Arabs in Israel are heavy consumers of a broad range of media? A sizable percentage of the Arab population reads local Arabic newspapers, listens to both Arab and Hebrew radio broadcasts, and watches Hebrew television channels alongside Arabic channels broadcasting from the Arab world.

Newsletter & Media Updates

I'lam publishes an English-language newsletter every three months. “ Akhbar” documents project development, recent achievements, reports and position papers, as well as recent and upcoming events. To receive “Akhbar” by email, or to join our English-language mailing list, click here .

I'lam produces and disseminates bi-monthly News Updates to keep members of the foreign press up-to-date on important issues facing the Arab Palestinian society in Israel . These updates contain a minimum of two pressing news items, are drafted in English, and disseminated via an extensive email list. To receive these updates, click here .

I'lam's Hebrew-language weekly newsletter “Giluy Naoot” is distributed to the Hebrew media in Israel and other interested parties. Radio, television, newspapers and magazines continue to source stories from our collection that relate to social, cultural, political and economic issues concerning Arab Palestinian citizens of Israel . To receive the weekly newsletter by email, click here . (Your mail server must support Hebrew script).

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