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Age apology inadequate

AGE’S APOLOGY FOR ANTISEMITIC ARTICLE DOES NOT REDRESS THE HARM IT CAUSED

The Age has today apologised for publishing a blatantly antisemitic article in last Saturday’s edition. This followed a call for it to do so by John Searle, president of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV), and Dr Danny Lamm, president of the Zionist Council of Victoria (ZCV).

Searle and Lamm stated:

“In publishing a piece by business columnist Michael Backman last Saturday, Melbourne’s The Age crossed a line hitherto not crossed by a reputable newspaper in modern Australia. It was not only factually incorrect, but in our opinion amounted to hate speech against Jews. It has caused widespread outrage and distress in the Jewish community, not only in Victoria, but Australia-wide. We have made this clear to The Age in no uncertain terms.

Today The Age published an apology. While we accept that the sentiments are appropriate, we contend that the lack of prominence given to it does not redress the harm caused by Backman’s vile piece.

Our community has been concerned for many years about The Age’s perceived favouritism in its reportage and opinion pieces towards the Palestinian position in its ongoing war against Israel. The JCCV and the SZC have expressed these concerns to The Age’s management on numerous occasions.

Since the commencement of the Gaza war, matters have come to a head with our organisations again making representations to The Age about what we consider its bias. Our concerns have pertained not only to the vilification of Israel per se, but the potential for that to result in local antisemitism. It is clear to us, particularly given the publication of this latest article, that The Age’s consequent assurances of even-handedness have yet to materialise."

 


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The apology was reprinted and sent out to our subscribed members when it was first published. If you would like a copy of it please contact us.

Posted by Ronit on 2009-01-21 23:15:29 GMT


A true "apology" would be a run of articles that redress some of the harm done by this one ... it"s called "restoring balance". But a newspaper that hasn"t been balanced balanced for such a long time, can"t really know what that"s about. Perhaps advertisers, especially Jewish ones, should take their business to a less bigoted newspaper that does understand the concept of balance, like the Australian. Those who remember the Age as a hallmark of excellence would be troubled about wrapping their chips in today"s offering for fear of contamination ... there"s nothing worse than bigoted chips.

Posted by Morry on 2009-01-21 02:58:41 GMT


I agree wholeheartedly with this response to the Age"s "apology". I have also been concerned about the Age"s bias against Israel for many years.

Posted by Ilana on 2009-01-20 21:53:06 GMT


The so called apology is a joke. The only answer is action by our leaders in the courts. We should also suggest a cessation of subscriptions and advertising in that filthy rag.

Posted by Wazza on 2009-01-20 19:02:39 GMT


The paper has no journalistic integrity or professionalism if allows a "free voice" tp[ publish an article that is hate-filled and offensive. It is Their p;aper and Theyh gave permnission to pujblish the article. Therfore they are responsible for cooperating with the offensive piece.

Posted by fred lapides on 2009-01-20 12:04:24 GMT