If you didn’t already hate CNN and the BBC before…you will now.
Three major international networks – The BBC, CNN and Eurosport – are refusing to air adds * of the “Born to be Free” foundation for the release of missing IAF navigator Ron Arad.Last week, the state and the foundation formally issued a 10 million dollar reward leading to either the return of Arad, or confirmation as to his ultimate fate. The state took this step after having concluded that it has exhausted all other means at its disposal.Uri Hen, the foundation director, told NRG Maariv, “We turned to CNN, BBC and Eurosport in a request to air fully-paid adds but they refused”.According to Hen, the BBC did not explain its decision. CNN, however, sent a letter to the foundation stating that the network does not air adds about political issues. Eurosport, says Hen, said it was a religious and political issue.
I fail to see how the release of a captured human – or even his remains (assuming he has already been killed) – qualifies as a “political issue.” It is a humanitarian issue. Plain and simple.
Heck, even the enemies of Israel have seen it fit to publicize this campaign.
“Even the Lebanese newspaper “A-Safir”, which has close contacts with Hezbollah quoted the campaign. Al-Jazeera interviewed us and the al-Quds publication, which is not a great lover of Israel to say the least, agreed to put up huge adds”, Hen added.“The Arab media did not hide behind political excuses. An Israeli pilot has been in captivity for 18 years and the campaign’s aim is to bring him home – there is absolutely nothing political about it”, he concluded.Another foundation official defined the decision of the three networks as “purely anti-Semitic”. The foundation is currently examining the option of filing legal suit against the networks.
By the way, how typical of the BBC to not even offer an (unsatisfactory) explanation for its decision. They have taken arrogance to a whole new level.
* Message to Maariv: please hire a new spell checker.
