Review
Needs to Clarify Facts
To
the Editors:
After
reading the article, Professor Speaks Against Occupation
in the last edition, I feel The Oberlin Review needs to clarify
a few statements that were presented as fact. Quoting the article,
Hasso detailed events that have been included in mainstream
media coverage, including the killing of 120 paramedics and the
deaths of journalists. Since the beginning of this intifada
approximately 17 Palestinian paramedics and doctors have been killed
performing their duty (www.electronicintifada.net). While the death
of those dedicated to saving lives represents the sheer darkness
of this conflict, it is important that what is presented as fact
is true. In the same line, tragically, Israeli forces killed Rafaele
Ciriello while he was reporting on the conflict from Ramallah. Mr.
Ciriello is the only journalist to be killed in the region since
the beginning of this intifada (New York Times, Thursday, March
14, 2002).
Furthermore, as journalists is it ethically responsible to one,
have someone directly associated with Students for a Free Palestine
write an article on this subject, and two, have an article that
is peppered with the language of an opinion piece/letter to the
editor appear on the front page as news?
Ultimately, accurate reporting on casualties is only a small detail
that can be corrected. However, I see the article as symptomatic
of a much larger problem. In order for there to be a lasting peace
in the region, Israelis and Palestinians must recognize the pain
and hardship each has endured. Israelis must understand the need
for a viable, autonomous Palestinian state, and Palestinians must
understand the reality of Israel, and her need for security. Too
often reporting on this conflict is shaded with a bias that hides
the other side. Articles that fail to present both sides of an issue,
or present biased accounts, often work against peace.
I hope the Review will clarify the above statements, respond to
my questions, and work towards a more balanced style of reporting
on this and other issues.
Charles
Schwartz
College senior
|