New York Times: Israel known for ‘pioneering cutting-edge ways to kill people’
Paper's tweet about the defence ministry's research and development into coronavirus draws furious reaction
The New York Times has caused outrage after suggesting Israel is “best known for pioneering cutting-edge ways to kill people”.
The publication made the comment on Twitter last Friday, sharing an article about the Israeli defence ministry’s state-of-the-art research, in its bid to fight coronavirus.
It said the ministry’s “research-and-development arm is best known for pioneering cutting-edge ways to kill people and blow things up. Now it is turning to saving lives”.
The article received nearly 2 thousands comments on Twitter – many accusing it of antisemitism.
Michael Dickson, the British-born executive director of pro-Israel group StandWithUS, said: “Even as it outlines the ways that Israeli servicemen and women are working to save and safeguard people from #COVID19, the @nytimes can’t help but create a clickbait headline perfect for Israel-haters and Antisemites. At this point, it’s practically an obsession”.
Israel’s Ambassador to the US, Ron Dermer, said the paper “which buried the Holocaust, is best known for pioneering ways to libel and demonise the Jewish State. Now it is doing the same.”
Bnai Brith International branded it an “egregious & offensive post” which was “fanning flames of antisemitism & anti-Israel animus”.
The New York Times was approached for comment on Saturday but has so far not responded.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
