Maariv Satirizes Anat Kamm Gag Order

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Let it not be said that in a nation in which democracy is honored only in the breach (or not at all), there is not a sharp sense of satire.  The Soviet Union was like this, and now Israel.  Hence this hilarious, knowing and merciless skewering of the cowardice of the Israeli press in regards to the gag order prohibiting reporting the Anat Kam affair.

I’m sorry to say that the press outside Israel has reacted with similar lack of interest.  It’s quite unusual for a freelance journalist to list publicly all the outlets he’s queried about a story.  Somehow it reeks of self-pity and you’re not supposed to display that when you’re a writer.  Besides, not embarrassing potential future publishing outlets by biting the hand that might feed you.  But I feel this story is important enough that it warrants throwing convention to the winds.  I’ve approached the following media outlets in an attempt to broaden coverage of this story and either been rejected or ignored: London Review of Books, Al Jazeera English, The National, The Nation, Firedoglake, The Jewish Forward.  I should say that a reporter for a major publication has expressed an interest in the story though no specific agreement or arrangement has been yet made.

Thus the IDF and intelligence apparatus, with the heavy-handed help of Kam herself, have won a victory for opacity, impunity and lack of accountability.  It is shameful that neither the Israeli or foreign media have been willing to report this.  I’m sorry to say that in the case of the latter they simply may not understand the importance of the story and the issues involved for Israeli democracy.  Or perhaps they understand and they just don’t care.  Either way it’s a crying shame and embarrassment.

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