Journal for the Study of Antisemitism

162 JOURNAL FOR THE STUDY OF ANTISEMITISM [ VOL. 1:139
society to that of apartheid South Africa without supplying context. The
Guardian could have noted, for example, that Israel is a parliamentary
democracy; that Arab parties serve in the Knesset where they freely attack
Israeli policies and leaders; that there are no bans on intermarriage; that
universities are open to Arab students; or that Israel’s Supreme Court has
forbidden discrimination in housing and jobs. 90
The Guardian’s online section titled “Israel and the Palestinians”
includes as one of its “useful links” a reference to “Hamas military
wing”–which is actually the English-language site of “Ezedeen Al-Qassam
Brigades,” which describes itself as “the armed branch of the Islamic Resistance
Movement (Hamas).” Members of this faction are actively involved
in terrorist acts, and some have the blood of innocent Israeli civilians on
their hands. 91
Checks, Lies, and Videotape
Inaccurate Reporting of Events
After the outbreak of the “al-Aqsa intifada” in September 2000, the
most striking initial image in Middle East news was that of a terrified
twelve-year-old Arab boy caught in the crossfire at a Gaza flashpoint. The
frightened youngster, reported the New York Times, named Muhammad al-
Dura, was seen “trapped by Israeli gunfire, and then slumping lifeless into
his father’s lap.” 92
The image quickly became iconic. Photographs of the shooting
appeared on the front pages of newspapers around the world. The London
Guardian observed:
For all of the claims of the prime minister, Ehud Barak, and other officials
that their soldiers only fire to protect Israeli lives, Mohammed’s
death seems an irrefutable reply. The images of al-Durah and his son
cowering, vainly, behind a barrel would have been emotive enough if, as
first reports suggested, they were caught in the crossfire between Israeli
Media: The BBC Goes to War, C.A.M.E.R.A., March 30, 2001, http://www.camera.org/index.asp?x_print’1&x_context’6&x_article’335.]
90. Liz McGregor, “Israel Should Learn from the Boers,” The Guardian
(London), May 17, 2001, p. 21.
91. Solomon, “Hamas Military Wing One of The Guardian’s Useful Links,”
Solomonia, August 13, 2008.
92. William A. Orme, Jr., “A Young Symbol of Mideast Violence,” New York
Times, October 2, 2000, p. 12. The incident occurred on September 30, 2000. See
also infra notes 124-142 and accompanying text.