Media Coverage That Demonises Israel (Video & Petition)

The media-monitoring organisation HonestReporting (see its managing editor, Simon Plosker, interviewed at length, not long after Operation Pillar of Defence, in the video above; [update] and here his refutation of The Independent's denial that it demonises Israel) has inaugurated a petition calling on media outlets in the United States and Europe to be more responsible in their coverage of Israel.  This, HonestReporting believes, is necessary in view of the fact that much coverage has now crossed the line from acceptable criticism to contravention of both the European Union's Working Definition of Antisemitism and the American State Department's similar Definition.

The EU definition includes:
•Denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, e.g., by claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor.
•Applying double standards by requiring of it a behavior not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation.
•Using the symbols and images associated with classic anti-Semitism (e.g., claims of Jews killing Jesus or blood libel) to characterize Israel or Israelis.
•Drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.
•Holding Jews collectively responsible for actions of the state of Israel.

The US definition includes:
Demonizing Israel:
•Using the symbols and images associated with classic anti-Semitism to characterize Israel or Israelis
•Drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis
•Blaming Israel for all inter-religious or political tensions
Applying a Double Standard for Israel:
•Applying double standards by requiring of it a behavior not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation
•Multilateral organizations focusing on Israel only for peace or human rights investigations
Delegitimizing Israel:
•Denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, and
denying Israel the right to exist.

To sign the petition (described by HonestReporting's Simon Plosker here) please click here