Channel 4 News on Israel

Here are my eMails to Channel 4 News.

24 January 2011

Mr Snow,

I've just finished watching your report on the Palestinian Papers and the comments on the Peace Process, including those of Mrs Hilsum. I can't but ask myself whether both of you have read Natan Sharansky's The Case for Democracy? If not, I would urge you strongly to do so; if yes, don't you know that 'Land for Peace' is what Israel has pursued yet have not reaped the promises made by Arab leaders? Further, and this is well documented and explained in the book, the PA have violated a major, if not the major, part of the Oslo Agreements - fighting terrorism in their own ranks. Sharansky sheds light on many more such crucial issues, notably the major problem of the lack of democracy among Palestinian Arabs and why this is a key hinderance to peace.

Your report made only Israel look like they are the hinderance to peace - this was very disappointing, as it neither reflects reality, nor is it objective journalism, it rather reminds me of the strongly biased BBC. Please consider. Thanks

--

Shalom,

Gordon Merk

26 January 2011

Mr Snow,

I've just seen the report on the new Israeli movie with a few IDF soldiers speaking out. May I share a few considerations and concerns?

Pictures speak louder than words, as we all know, and can be used - and misused - to provoke emotional reactions which then hinder people understanding any conflict without its proper conflict. Certainly, and Israel affirms this, mistakes have been made and individuals under the pressures of war can do mad things. But wouldn't you agree with me that without proper contextual information any report is too one-sided and can cause more damage than good?

For example, why not also make clear that Israel has gone out of her way to urge civilians to leave and that Hamas has hindered civilians from leaving? And as you know very well, they are misusing civilians so that they can use these casualties to stir more international anti-Israel hatred. But if they are misusing them and hindering them - not to speak of launching rockets from hospitals and schools - who are the true war criminals? Israel's war is against terror and Hamas, not the Palestinian people. The fact that 12,000 rockets have been fired on Israeli civilians doesn't mean anything anymore, does it?

Further, your comments at the end with the embassy's statement has, I assume, gone unheard by those already emotionally stirred, and it was very unfair. Israel's justice system should be commended for its thorough investigations into these matters and brining wrongdoers to justice. Again, that has not been stated clearly.

Also, how representative are these three soldiers of what had happened? And since when has war ever been decent? I fear the double-standard so many apply to Israel is brining more unfair reporting against the IDF and the Jewish State. Why not show pictures of Hamas rockets' damage and expose their hateful ideology, not to speak of their terror regime against the people in Gaza? Also, the Jewish soldiers showed a lot of respect for human life and dignity, whereas Hamas celebrates terror and glorifies its ideology of death. Shouldn't the remarkable difference already tells us enough about values?

The second time in two days your reporting has made only Israel look like the war mongers and criminals, and if this continues, your programmes are as biased as the BBC's. Why don't you bring Col. Kemp back to your programme to give a professional opinion? Yes, wrongdoing should be exposed - and Israel is prosecuting them. But demonizing the whole nation is certainly wrong - and most obviously unfair.

--

Shalom,

Gordon

Christmas 2010: Presents for the Disadvantaged!

Dear Friends,

this year we're collecting small presents for disabled adults and orphaned children - and you can make a difference with as little as £5! While the Western world usually goes materially mad during Christmas, we have the option to bless those who will really appreciate it.


Option #1: Disabled Adults

In a small town south of Bulgaria's capitol, called Dolno Draglishte, we're cooperating with Light for Life Foundation, in raising small gifts for disabled adults and their staff. We're looking at 57 disabled residents and 35 staff. 30 of the residents are female, 27 male; 31 of the staff are female, 4 male. At Southwick Christian Community Church, we have already received pledges for 29 female and 20 male residents, as well as 8 female and 4 male staff.

Presents must not cost the world, but pretty little soaps or other toiletries, such as tooth brushes and paste, shower gel, shampoo, etc, or things like nice socks or scarves are all options that bring a smile to some often neglected people. Additionally, the residents there love foreign magazines such as Counrty Living or Top Gear, as they contain a lot of pictures. For any other suggestions, please contact me on this blog.

Option #2: Children of Disabled Parents

Light for Life also supports children who look after their disabled parents. We want to raise support for these 21 children they are working with and supporting. Again, a Pingles tube filled with pens, jewellery (for girls), balloons, or small books, etc, would make a precious little difference.

Option #3: Disabled Parents

We also, of course, want to support these disabled parents. We're talking of 15 families whose Christmas could be improved by donating some gifts to the parents, which can include a financial gift towards food, for example, that can be administered through Light for Life's office in Sofia, Bulgaria, but can be paid into their UK account. For more details contact me on this blog.

Option #4: Orphans with Learning Disabilities

We're also looking at the option to raise presents for orphans with learning disabilities at a special needs school in Dolno Draglishte. More details to follow.

Option #5: Transport Cost

On a very practical level, we also need to raise money for transport cost. Not everyone who donates a present would or can also donate some money, but it is the preferred option, of course. A couple of friends have already pledged some finances towards the transport, and if you wished to join in, you are most welcome. That kind of gifts is, of course, as much appreciated as any other present, and is usually even more important - it's no good having presents if you can't get them to the people! Contact me on this blog to get more information.

Hamas - Terrorism against both Israel and the Palestinians

Widespread Islamic Infiltration!

Respect, not Violence

Hamas - the Real Problem in Gaza!

Arab Governments' Crimes against Palestinians