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M E D I A C E N T E R F O R A R A B PA L E S T I N I A N S I N I S R A E L
AN NU A L R E P O RT
JANUARY – DECEMBER 2004
TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
table of contents.....................................................................................................................................................................1
2004 Highlights......................................................................................................................................................................2
2004 HIGHLIGHTS
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has successfully encouraged Arab stakeholders to become active in public
media debates.
√ I’lam has fostered networking and has initiated cooperative efforts with
an extensive range of local and international organizations.
√ The report, ‘Attitudes of Israeli Authorities toward Arab Journalists’ was
sent to various organizations and Knesset members and was later
published on the websites of the Media Diversity Institute and the
International Journalists Network.
√ I’lam’s staff has benefited from several capacity building opportunities.
√ I’lam introduced a quarterly newsletter in English documenting
achievements and highlighting upcoming events.
R E P O RT O F A C T I V I T I E S J A N U A RY – D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 4
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Researcher Dr. Amal Jamal developed a codebook for each topic, a total of nine, in order
to systematize quantitative and qualitative exploration.
The monitoring data will be fed into a computerized SPSS program and analyzed in
order to draft a report on media content analysis.
The monitoring of Arabic newspapers started in October and will cover September,
October, November and December 2004 and January and February 2005. Monitoring of
Hebrew Newspapers started in October and will cover October, November December
2004 and March, April and May 2005.
During a period ranging from May 2004 until January 2005, Dr. Jamal trained 4
monitoring staff alternately. We placed emphasis on building the capacities of local
staff.
Professionals in the academia were given access to the monitoring codebooks and were
consulted as to necessary changes. All were very impressed with the scope and depth
of the research project.
EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM
In our Empowerment Program, we aim to empower the Arab media landscape and
society by promoting equal access to the Israeli media, encouraging free flow of
information and fair representation at media bodies and institutions, and fostering
professional standards. Through this program I’lam reached directly more than 370
beneficiaries throughout the year.
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courses. I’lam views this as a clear indication of the powerful multiplier effect of such
trainings.
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Gender Equality, Women Studies, and Human Rights. An informal dialogue followed all
sessions.
Towards the end of the program the women met with video and installation artist Manar
Zoubi, and paid a visit to the Tel Aviv Museum and the Helena Rubenstein Museum of
Contemporary Arts, where they were able to exercise their newly developed critical
sense of the aesthetic.
The pilot programme was deemed a success by organisers and participants, who
variously praised the experience. In evaluation, it was suggested that the program
could have been longer in duration and wider in scope, with a call for more practical
training.
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1. August 6, Sliman Shafea, Correspondent at Channel 2: “Challenges for Arab
Journalists Working in the Hebrew Media.”
2. August 13, Moti Gilat, Journalist at Yediot Aharonot: “Investigative Journalism: The
Role of the Media, Media Ethics, Sources of Information and Censorship”; Ron
Rizniq, investigative journalist at Yediot Aharonot: “Investigative Reporting of
Environment and Health Issues”; and Doron Galaezer, journalist at Yediot
Aharonot: “Local Hebrew Media”.
3. August 20, Shahar Ginosar, journalist at Yediot Aharonot: “Case Study: October
2000”.
4. August 27, Gidi Vayts, journalist at Yediot Aharonot: “Sources of Information in
Investigative Journalism”; Ruth Yural, formal editor of the weekly magazine of
Yediot Aharonot and current freelancer: “Magazine Reports”.
5. September 3, Izhar Beer, former journalist at Kol Haeer and current director of
Keshev: “How to cover Occupation Issues: Problems, Ethics, and Resources”.
6. September 10, Ronen Bergman, investigative journalist at Yediot Aharonot:
“Investigative Journalism and Sources of Information: Case Study”
7. September 17, Mustafa Kabaha, board member at I’lam and media lecturer at
Open University: “Arab Journalism before and after 1948”; Wadea Awawdy, board
member at I’lam and journalist: “Difference between Local Arab and Countrywide
Hebrew Coverage of the Israeli – Arab Conflict”; Sliman Faraj, media and financial
advisor with a local marketing company: “Economic and Financial Concerns
Facing Local Arab Media”.
8. September 24, Ghassam Bsol, journalist at local TV channel: “Investigative
Journalism: Case Study”; Mustafa Abdel Halim, Editor at Radio Shams: “Sources
of Information and Difficulties in Media Work”.
9. October 8, Mibi Mozes, media advocate: “Legal Constraints for Journalists”; and
Tzadoq Yehezqili, TV journalist: “How to Adapt Written Reports to Documentary
Films”.
10.October 15, Rino Tsur, investigative journalist at Yediot Aharonot: “Follow-up of
Investigative Reports”.
11.October 22, Doron Tzapari, director of documentary films: “Introduction to the Art
of Documentary Films”.
12.November 5, Abdel Hakim Mufid, journalist of the Voice of Freedom and Justice
(local Arabic newspaper): “Local Arabic Journalism from 1948 until Today”;
Mustafa Abdel Halim, journalist at Radio Shams: “Difficulties in the Daily Work of
Journalists”; Wadea Awawdy, board member at I’lam and journalist: “Absence of
Criticism in Local Media”.
13.December 10, Mustafa Kabaha, board member at I’lam and media lecturer at
Open University and Haneen Zoubi, director of I’lam: “Political and Media
Discourse before 1948: Academic Approach”.
14.December 13, Participated in tour for journalists in Sakhnin.
15.December 17, Nada Al Yassir, Professional Filmmaker, Script Writer, and Editor:
“Reading Documentary Films”.
The first part of the training focused on the written media, with Shaher Altermann of the
daily newspaper Yediot Aharonot leading the training. Teams of two journalists have
conducted their own investigation, and we assume that some of the resulting reports
will be published.
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The broadcast element, consisting of four meetings, was headed by Keren Kerse of
Israel’s Channel 2 television station. She taught the practicalities of visual investigating,
including the importance of visual material, interviewing for television, and transferring
the written to the visual medium.
Often having little or no previous formal training or media academic background, the
participants have been thrilled by the opportunity to engage in discussion and
instruction on the higher levels of journalistic practice. The success of the program can
largely be attributed thus far to the positive interaction between participants and
lecturers.
It is I’lam’s aim that training like this will set higher professional standards among Arab
journalists in Israel and encourage investigative reporting, broader coverage of human
rights issues and overall professional development.
3. Forums
The Forum of Journalists, which has convened five times (March 12, April 24, May 28,
September 13, and September 27) this year, is consistently well-attended, with a core
group of nearly 20 Arab journalists.
Achievements until date:
The local media landscape finds itself in a highly polarized political climate, where
almost all journalists are split along party lines. Arab newspapers are mainly divided as
politically affiliated and commercial ones. There is an acute lack of communication,
cooperation and organization between them. Assembling journalists from different
parties and backgrounds to discuss issues and work towards a common goal is a
significant achievement in and of itself. In order to create a productive forum, it is
necessary to provide an independent and autonomous platform in which the journalists
themselves decide upon the aims, agenda, and work plan of the forum (this was a clear
demand from the participants). It must be emphasized that this is the first opportunity
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of this nature for 50 years, an arena in which local Arab journalists have a platform to
address deep-rooted problems and to find a common agenda.
As the first permanent connection linking Arab journalists working in Israel, the
Forum is providing an important support network and catalyst for debate.
Most journalists know about this initiative, even those that are still not
participating.
The group participating in the forum includes new journalists as well as senior
journalists in decision- making positions.
This group confirmed the basis for cooperation and networking.
The sessions discussed how the Forum may be expanded, and debated what to
include in a future Code of Ethics, and why the Israeli Code of Ethics is neither
suitable nor enviable.
Beyond theses forum-related achievements, I’lam gained visibility among the Arabic
local media landscape. The forum enabled us to build trusting relationships with
journalists, directors and editors of various Arabic newspapers.
5. Media Directories
In 2004, I’LAM developed two directories:
Arab Media Capacities Directory
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I’lam has recently completed a directory that lists qualified Arab media workers in
Israel. To be published in Arabic and Hebrew, the index includes the name, contact
details, education and previous professional experience of almost 100 journalists,
editors, camerapeople, sound technicians, photographers and designers.
The aim of the Arab Media Capacities Directory is to promote and facilitate working
opportunities for Arab media professionals within the media arena. This directory will be
a prompt reply to anyone who claims that the media landscape in Israel is bereft of
Arabs due to the absence of trained and accomplished professionals.
Even before its publication, I’lam provided partial information to Channels 1, 2, and 10,
to the companies that have the franchise of Channel 2 and 10, and the candidates for
the new tender of Channel 2.
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6.3 Summer Camp
The Orthodox Youth Center organized a summer camp in Nazareth for 180 children ages
six to fourteen, which took place from July 5 to August 5. I’lam was asked to give a
series of training hours on media literacy. Three trainers offered more than 80 hours to
six groups of 30 children each, introducing the children to media related issues such as
the role of media, relation and communication between media and audience, critical
consumption of media, specific media formats including video clips, radio, photography,
caricature, among other subjects. In addition, the children implemented in practice
some of the elements of the training: Two video clips were produced by the older
children, participants took their own photos, wrote headlines, and draw caricature, to
mention some.
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MEDIA RIGHTS PROGRAM
General Achievements:
Through the activities described below under the project of “Improving Coverage
of Arab Citizens in the Media”, I’lam created basic infrastructure to build strong
relations with journalists. Kholod Masalha is in daily contact with journalists, thus
opening an important access point to the Hebrew and foreign media, which can
also benefit other local NGOs.
The contact established became a two-way relationship as journalists started to
consider I’lam an important source of information regarding Arab citizens of Israel
and a facilitator in reaching Arab experts, civil society, and community members.
Here I’lam faces a dilemma, because we are afraid of reinforcing the passive
attitudes of journalists towards Arab citizens of Israel in getting first hand
information and in conducting investigative reporting within this society. I’lam will
discuss this issue with journalists from the Hebrew media.
Two programs focusing in media issues, on Channel One and Reshet Bet radio,
heavily rely on I’lam as a source of information. We provide these programs with
many stories and information.
During 2004 we realized that the potential to improve the attitude towards, and
knowledge of, Arab citizens of Israel is greater with foreign journalists. According
to our experience, the level of information and insight into the situation of Arabs
in Israel of many foreign journalists is very poor. In the short term, the impact of
our work with the foreign media could be significant.
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importance to the Arab Palestinian society. This significant achievement is a milestone
in our efforts to promote a more inclusive, balanced, and fair coverage of Arab
Palestinian issues in Israel.
Since I’lam began circulating weekly news updates to the Hebrew media in June, at
least 25 stories, on a myriad of issues, have been published and broadcast based on
information that I’lam has provided (for a detailed list of issues published, please see
Annex 3).
1.2 Tour for Editors and Journalists from the Hebrew and foreign media
In 2004, I’lam initiated guided tours for journalists and editors working at the Hebrew
media and foreign journalists. These tours are designed to express the desire of the
Arab Palestinian society in Israel to present and represent itself, to raise awareness
about pressing issues and realities of Arab citizens, and to facilitate encounters and
dialogue with Arab representatives, journalists, and opinion leaders.
In April 2004, the first tour, the “Nazareth Tour”, was guided by Dr. Basel Ghattas,
Director of the Galilee Society and Mr. Bilal Ibrahim of Arab Human Rights Association,
brought journalists through Nazareth, Ein Mahel, Reni and Nazareth Illit. The
participants (14 journalists from different Hebrew media outlets and 3 foreign
journalists) expressed their interest in further tours as an important means to get
alternative information and stories. Some journalists from Haaretz and Radio Galezahal
requested a special tour for their respective staff.
On September 23, I’lam, in conjunction with Agenda (Israeli Center for Strategic
Communications) and Sikkuy (Association for the Advancement of Civil Equality in
Israel), conducted a tour for eighteen journalists from the newspapers Ha’aretz, Globes,
Ma’ariv, and Yediot Aharonot, and Galatz radio. The tour highlighted two topics that
have been underrepresented and misrepresented in the Israeli media:
1) Economic, social and political implications of the separation wall for Arab
Palestinians living in Israel, and
2) Economic issues and concerns of the Muta el-Lat (Triangle) region of central Israel.
I’lam’s primary message for the journalists present was that neither context nor detail is
provided in most reports. Guided by Dr. Mustafa Kabha, I’lam’s board member and
media lecturer at Open University, and Shalom Dichter, director of Sikkuy, the
participants visited Baka al-Garabiyeh and Umm el-Fahm municipality. Among the
speakers where MK Dr. Jamal Zahalka, Sheikh Hashem Abed (Mayor of Umm el-Fahm),
Mtanes Shjadeh (researcher in economics at Mada), and engineer Mohammed Younis.
On 13th December, I’lam’s third tour for journalists was held in and around the Galilean
town of Sakhnin, whose Arab inhabitants are victim to discriminatory land policies.
Ten foreign journalists - from Europe, Asia and Australia - were joined by twelve local
Arab journalists. The group was welcomed by Dr Ghazel Abouria, spokesperson for the
municipality, and enjoyed talks given by Dr Hanna Swead, from the Alternative Planning
Center, and others.
On the field journalists visited the Terdion industrial area whose land belongs to Sachnin
but whose taxes are paid to the neighbouring (and surrounding) Mizgav municipality.
They also stopped at the house of Ali Izbidat, which has been deemed illegal due to
arbitrary land demarcations of Misgav at the outskirts of Sachnin.
According to the participants, the tour was an important and worthwhile excursion for
foreign journalists who generally file their stories from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. With this
tour, network with international journalists was further improved.
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1.3 Position Papers
In 2004, I’lam has composed and released a total of nine position papers. These papers
were developed and disseminated following a number of major developments relevant
to the media and Arab citizens of Israel. The aim of these papers is to increase
discussion and public awareness and outline the position of I’LAM. The papers released
to date, available through I’LAM, include:
1. “Israel Broadcast Authority Reform”, submitted to the Dinur Commision
2. “Democratic Reforms in the Israeli Media”
3. “Kfar Kana Incident Highlights Importance of Or”
4. “Yum el-Ard: Land Day”
5. “Broadcasting Authority Expose”
6. “Israeli Soldier Shoots at Jewish Demonstrators; The Israeli Media Condemns the
Actions of Killed Demonstrator”
7. “Media Neglects to Cover Demonstrations of Arab Civil Society in Nazareth and
Haifa against Israeli Army’s Actions in Rafah”
8. “The Israeli Media Neglects to Include Plight of Arab Citizens of Israel while
Covering Economic Issues”
9. “To Whom Arab MKs work for? Coverage of Arab MKs in the Israeli media”
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To implement a professional quota in the Israeli Broadcast Authority
To consider Arab citizens of Israel as a target audience of public service
programming
To support Arabic programs
To establish an Arabic channel
To include Arab experts and professionals at all levels of media, including
decision-making positions
In 2004, General Director, Haneen Zoubi, met with Doron Sapari, Chairperson of the
Directors’ Union and leading figure in the fight to reform the Israeli Broadcasting
Authority (IBA) Law. Zoubi and Sapari agreed to work as partners and to support one
another in their efforts to reform the IBA Law.
In November 9 the “Israeli Media Forum” met Shalom Simhon, Head of the Knesset
Finance and Education Committee, and suggested changes to the procedure for
electing the IBA’s General Director, who is appointed by the Prime Minister. Instead,
the Forum recommends the building of an independent and autonomous committee
that should submit five candidates from which the Prime Minister will appoint the
Director. The Knesset Finance and Education Committee approved the suggestion in
November 23 and sent it to Minister of Communication Ehud Olmert, responsible for the
IBA, for a decision. Beyond that, I’lam also recommends the same procedure to appoint
the 31-member General Assembly and seven-member Executive Committee of the IBA.
I’lam also monitored the actions of Yosef Barel, current IBA General Director,
who has this year made a number of controversial decisions and was subject to harsh
criticism after placing checkpoints in Arab villages in Israel without official consent in
June. At such checkpoints staff members from IBA confiscated IDs and threatened to
confiscate property of Arab citizens of Israel, who allegedly did not pay TV and radio
licenses (taxes). I’lam sent a position paper condemning this policy and participated in
a hearing with the Knesset Finance and Education Committee on June 7, 2004, which
ordered the cessation of these procedures and reviewed their legality. Furthermore,
I’lam sent a letter to the Attorney General, Mini Mazoz, and to the State Comptroller,
Eliezer Goldberg, demanding the dismissal of Barel and Olmert.
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In order to advance our requests, I’lam met the Second Broadcasting Authority Council
in August 3. The feedback was very positive as it was mentioned that I’lam’s position
paper was broadly discussed. I’lam was included in the report authored by Giora Rozen,
independent Ombudsman of the Second Broadcasting Authority, mentioning an
increasing awareness of civil society organizations in the role of the media.
Furthermore, I’lam met Mahmood Abasi, Arab member in the Council, encouraging him
to lobby our position.
In the tender some of our recommendations were included, namely that Arab programs
must be produced by at least 50% Arab media staff and that support for local Arabic
productions must be increased.
After the release of the tender, I’lam focused its attention to the companies that will
participate in the tender and current franchise holders, Keshet, Tel-Ad Jerusalem
Studios, and Kan Communications. I’lam held 3 meetings from October until December,
during which we presented our position and recommendations. Led by Maysaa Abu
Elhaija and Haneen Zoubi, I’lam urged the companies not to replicate the mistakes of
Channel One, and not to fall into the false assumption that Arab ratings can be
increased through entertainment programming, in view of the market dominance of
Arab satellite channels. Rather, I’lam encouraged the companies to present qualitative
programs covering all aspects of life at the local level, including serious political
programs. This approach not only embraces a human rights vision, but also a
commercial one, which is the main interest of the companies. This unique stance
challenges the traditional idea that commercial channels cannot merge both interests: a
profit-oriented policy and a human rights policy.
Not all companies we met were familiar with the current situation regarding Arab
employees at the channel and image of Arab citizens presented through the media. In
an open atmosphere, representatives of the companies mentioned that having Arabs on
the screen would drop viewer ratings. In response, I’lam raised the point that this
attitude from the audience is a consequence of the continuous absence of Arabs on the
screen and mentioned the importance of changing this media culture. In addition, Arab
rating would increase if Arabs would be more visible in the media. And still, the question
of why Arab employees do not gain employment behind the scenes remains. I’lam thus
insists on employing Arab camera, sound, and light people, directors, editors, and other
media professionals that work behind the cameras. I’lam also delivered a list of Arab
media human resources.
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Arab employees and staff members and the quota required by law, I’lam will
initiate legal steps.
From July until December, I’lam held several meetings with directors and
representatives from Channel 10 and franchising companies. All people we met were
interested in our position and lists of Arab human resources. We agreed that I’lam will
follow developments, especially in employing Arab workers.
Since July, I’lam has sent several letters to spokespeople of Channel 2 and Channel 10
regarding Arab representation at the Second Broadcasting Authority Council.
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2. I’lam met with Audi Miron, Director of Ananey Communications. While Miron was
open to our suggestions, and cognizant of the company’s lack of experience with the
Arab community in Israel, it is clear that the company requires intensive consultation to
successfully meet the needs of the local Arabic speaking population. During this
meeting, Mr. Miron declared that Ananey Communications fully agrees with I’lam’s
position paper and he expressed the company’s commitment to fulfill the aims and
strategies included in I’lam’s document. With this, I’lam decided to support Ananey
Communication in their attempt to create a serious and professional channel. I’lam will
closely follow the hiring of Ananey staff and media practitioners and scrutinize the
criteria for deciding upon programming.
3. I’lam organized a roundtable in June, attended by 35 media professionals. In this
roundtable, producers, journalists and others agreed to forward their résumé’s/CV’s to
Ananey and formulated a set of recommendations for the company, including:
Taking into consideration the strong competition with 40 Arabic Satellite Channels
and 3 Israeli Channels, and accepting that the only way to realize economic
security for the channel is to produce qualitative programs that reflect a
professional commitment to the reality of Arab citizens.
To hire Arab professionals according to qualifications rather than political
concerns.
To include local productions and to emphasize news and current affair programs.
To continue meeting with I’lam and participants of the roundtable in an advisory
role.
4. On June 28, 2004, I’LAM sent a second list to Ananey Tikshoret containing the names
of twelve Arab news and current affairs presenters.
5. I’lam sent a letter requesting Ananey Communications’ criteria for hiring senior staff
members like director of channel and director of programming.
6. During the second half of 2004, I’lam was in constant correspondence with Ananey
Communications. We sent at least six letters following the progress of preparations for
starting broadcasting of the channel.
7. I’lam contacted seven Arab journalists from different local media and provided them
with information about the channel and Ananey Communications in an attempt to raise
awareness and to spark debate about this issue in the local media.
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In this particular case the lack of funds from private advertising leaves these
organizations in a particularly vulnerable position. At present, only 1% of governmental
advertising’ budget is spent in the Arabic media.
This attempt to exert undue influence, muzzle press freedom and intimidate local Arabic
media through financial pressure stands in clear contradiction with democratic
principles.
In May 2004 I’lam approached the Official Advertisement Authority (Lapam) and
requested data on;
(1) the percentage of resources allocated to the local Arabic media in comparison with
the Hebrew media, and
(2) the criteria for dividing these resources among the different Arabic newspapers.
After receiving no answer we asked Free Information, a new NGO working in Israel, to
request this data, which they only recently received. Lapam claims that they are
working in accordance with the law. I’lam will subject this data to a legal analysis.
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OUTREACH
1. Media Reports
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where neglected. Her first report will be sent to various media organizations in
January 2005.
3. Petition
I’lam gathered more than 600 signatures in a petition demanding from the Israeli media
a more professional coverage of the situation in Gaza and military operations there. The
petition and signatures were sent to Maariv, Ydeot Aharonot, Haaretz, Channel 1,
Channel 2, and Channel 10 on December 23, 2004. We have not received any response
thus far.
I’lam views with alarm media coverage which neglects to report on human rights
violations. We argue that journalists must inform the public about such grave violations
regardless of nationality, ethnic origin, gender, or religion. If journalists tend to ignore
human rights abuses in the Occupied Territories, and this is part of a media culture, the
whole of Israeli society is affected as journalists could also ignore human rights
violations inside Israel.
1. Fundraising
I’lam had an important increase in resources for all projects and core budget.
Furthermore, I’lam was successful in diversifying funding sources.
At this point, I’lam would like to extend its sincere gratitude to all those who have
trusted and supported our work including:
European Union
Ford Foundation
Heinrich Boell Foundation
Middle East Foundation for Peace
New Israel Fund
Open Society Institute
Royal Netherlands Embassy.
Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.
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which a detailed program of action until the end of the year was developed. During the
implementation of the program, Sperger followed closely the work of Maysaa Abu
Ehaija, who is responsible for advocacy work at I’lam.
In addition, Sperger monitored new suggestions for media laws. He updated I’lam about
these developments and provided us with advice and consultation on how to follow-up
such suggestions.
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Arab-US Association for Communication Educators and took place in Cairo in
November 18-21.
Following I’lam’s participation at the World Summit on the Information Society in
Geneva 2003, Haneen Zoubi attend the follow-up event “Role and Place of Media
in the Information Society in Africa and the Arab States” in Marrakesh, Morocco
from November 22-24.
Haneen Zoubi was invited by COSPE (Cooperation for the Development of
Emerging Countries) and Informazione Senza Frontiere (“Information without
Borders”) to give a lecture at a two day conference in Florence. The event
focused on “Democracy and Freedom of Speech and Information in Europe and
Middle East” and took place on December 3-4.
1. Staff Developments
During 2004 I’lam experienced significant developments in terms of staff members.
From one full-time and two half-time positions in 2003, I’lam’s staff at present includes:
3 full-time permanent staff members, two half-time permanent staff members, a
monitoring team built by a researcher and four assistants, a full-time international
volunteer, a part-time local volunteer, and a pool of freelancers.
2. Capacity Building
I’lam recognizes that the organization’s human resources, its board, staff and
volunteers, form the backbone of its operations. I’lam is therefore highly committed to
the development of staff skills and capacities. In 2004, our staff benefited from a
number of training and networking opportunities:
Heidi Paredes, Development Director, has benefited from budgeting courses with local
NGO Shatil as well as web-site development courses with Agenda and a two-day course
on funding opportunities with the European Union sponsored by Ittijah.
Maysaa Abu Al-Haija, Media Rights Coordinator, is participating in an intensive “Training
for Lobbyists in NGOs” offered by Shatil (New Israel Fund’s Empowerment and Training
Center). The course consists of 14 workshops 6 hours each and takes place over a
period of several months (November 2004 until May 2005).
Kholod Masalha, Programs Coordinator, participated at a 3-day workshop on “Strategic
Communications Planning” organized by Agenda in Ein Gedi (Dead Sea) in November 9-
11.
All staff members participated in two workshops on time management and planning in
October 28 and December 22, which provided participants essential time management
and planning skills on a daily, weekly, monthly and yearly basis. The aim of the
workshops is to realize the full potential of the projects and programs and to improve
the overall quality of I’lam’s work. The training sessions were very successful as they
addressed issues ranging from managing appointments and tasks to individual and
organizational factors affecting time management.
3. Strategic Planning
July 2 -3 2004: I'lam staff and board gathered at the Ambassador Hotel in Jerusalem for
the first annual Strategic Planning Session. The two day event began with several
exercises led by Dr. Elias Zidan, a strategic planning consultant with ALMAD.
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Day One included staff presentations in which the General Director, Development
Director, and Project Coordinators spoke on both current projects and their 2004 work
plan with a special focus of the EU funded project “Responsible and Professional Media”.
In the evening, I’lam hosted a dinner for the staff, board and a number of journalists.
The dinner allowed the journalists an opportunity to elaborate on their expectations
from I’lam.
Day Two was dedicated to the review of the EU Logistical Framework. Project manager
and coordinators reviewed the framework and debated the appropriate indicators.
The Board held a meeting to discuss ways in which I’lam can encourage involvement
and participation from Arab Palestinians and how to further incorporate the community
in the planning, preparation and implementation of various projects.
4. Administration
In terms of internal administrative skills, I’lam introduced a new internal accounting
program “Quickbooks”. This program is accessible online for I’lam’s administrative staff
and General Director as well as for board members and external accountant. This new
system contributes to increase I’lam’s transparency of organizational finances and
work.
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A N N E X E S T O A N N UA L R E P O RT 2 0 0 4
On 26 February, I’lam sent a letter asking the IPC for relevant information to help us in
composing a report about violations of press freedoms against Arab journalists. We
asked them to forward to us any complaints they have against the police and other
authorities, and what steps they take. We received no response.
On 6 May, I’lam sent another letter about the accusations levelled at the editor of
Sawt el-Haq wal Horeia (The Voice of Rights and Freedom). We asked for the IPC’s
involvement in protecting freedom of expression and of the press, and to stop the police
investigations against the editor. We received no response.
On 10 June, we sent the IPC a letter informing them of the case of journalist Ali Wakid,
who was prevented by security personnel from boarding an international flight. We
received no response.
On 17 June, we asked the IPC board for an urgent meeting after another incident of an
Arab journalist, Rami Mansour (cameraman) being attacked by the police. We asked
them to urge the authorities to investigate and possibly punish the perpetrators. We
received no response.
On 23 June, I’lam sent the IPC a letter asking them to examine the coverage of
television channels 1, 2 & 10, and daily newspapers Ma’ariv and Yde’ot Ahronot. All of
these media organisations published the name of a minor who was arrested for
allegedly trying to stab a police officer. The youth was the brother of a young man who
was killed in October 2000 by Israeli police. According to Israeli law, a minor accused of
a crime cannot be named or otherwise identified. We noted that this was a clear
violation of the law. We received no response.
On 30 June, I’lam sent yet another letter, documenting an example of racist policy.
Arab journalist Ata al-Wisat was attacked by police, who then did not allow an
ambulance to reach him. We must stress that there was no justification for either the
attack or the subsequent delay. We received no response.
On 4 January 2005, I’lam sent a letter to the Israeli Press Council asking for a clear
stand defending freedom of expression and independent journalism for the Hebrew and
Arabic media alike and to oppose policies of intimidation and punishment of Arabic
media institutions that criticize official policies. This after Likud Knesset Member Mjali
Wahbi accused local Arabic newspapers and media institutions of attacking Israel.
Implicitly MK Wahbi suggested to condition the allocation of governmental
advertisement to Arabic media in Israel (it currenly amounts only 1%) to the political
attitude of the specific media.
On 9 January 2005, I’lam asked the IPC to demand independent investigation of the
shooting of Channel 10 cameraman by IDF troops in Gaza Strip and to make the
findings public. Majdi al-Arabeid, an Arab Palestinian journalist, was accompanying
reporter Shlomi Eldar when he was wounded without warning. Eldan is certain that the
troops “knew they were shooting at journalists”.
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ANNEX 2: LIST OF PRESS RELEASES SENT IN 2004
English
March, Press Release regarding the “Israel Broadcast Authority Reform” and the Dinur
Commission.
April, “The Israeli Media and the Shooting of Israeli Citizens: The Israeli Media Fails to
Derive Meaningful Lessons from October 2000”.
August, “Israeli Media Disseminates Inaccurate Information in an Effort to Delegitimize
Arab Knesset Members and Incite Jewish Public”.
September, “The Israeli Government Aims for Political Points from the Kidnapping of
CNN Journalists”.
October, “Israeli Media Coverage of Human Rights’ Violations Perpetuated by the Israeli
Defense Force in Gaza”.
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ANNEX 3: WEEKLY NEWS UPDATES: STORIES COVERED IN THE
HEBREW MEDIA
Since I’lam began circulating weekly news updates to the Hebrew media in June, at
least 25 stories, on a myriad of issues, have been published and broadcast based on
information that I’lam has provided:
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media or Arab citizens of Israel.
31.07.0 Channel Media Magazine Giluy Na’ot:
4 1
Interview with Haneen Zoubi concerning the violations of
Arab journalists’ rights in Israel.
08.08.0 Maariv Article on I’lam’s position paper concerning the (Hebrew)
4 media’s representation of Arab Knesset Members
08.08.0 Galetz Interview with Kholod Masalha (I’lam Staff Member) and Arab
4 Zahar MK about I’lam’s position paper on the media framing of Arab
(Radio) MKs: “Is it true that Arab MKs serve the society?”
11.08.0 Channel Media Magazine Giluy Na’ot:
4 1
Interview with haneen Zoubi about the new Arabic
Commercial Channel
23.09.0 Galetz Report about I’lam’s tour for journalists that took place on
4 Zahar September 23 in the Triangle region.
(Radio)
Ongoing Reshet The weekly Media Magazine Hadara welcomes I’lam’s regular
Bet input regarding media issues related to the Arabic media or
Arab citizens of Israel.
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Feedback from the Hebrew media about our activities has been both frequent and
positive. Well known opinion leaders and media practitioners like Raffi Menn (Maariv),
Amir Gilat (Maariv), Miron Rappaport (Haaretz), Miki Miron (Reshet Bet), and Roni
Shaked (Ydeot Aharonot) have acknowledged I’lam’s work and have encouraged us to
continue our efforts.
I’lam received several requests from journalists to assist them in getting information
and contacting persons regarding issues relevant to Arab citizens of Israel. Journalists
like David Retner (Haaretz), Carmel Lutzati (Channel 2), and Salwa Alienat (Y-Net) have
approached I’lam for this purpose.
The immediacy and volume of responses from journalists and media practitioners is a
clear indication of the importance of I’lam’s activities and the quality of our work
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