Even before the current war, the mainstream media was biased and censored. At this point, Al Jazeera, which presented an alternative viewpoint, has been banned, and the military censor creates the news, both in the media and social media.
That is why the Educational Institutions Special Projects is launching a special media initiative – one that aims to present the narratives that are buried beneath racist and nationalist jingoism or are altogether silenced. We are inviting those who relate the news – whether in the mainstream media or alternative websites – to join us in thinking about how the news shapes reality and vice versa, and to join in a conversation about how to use our media to nudge reality back into shape.
By gathering journalists and media and PR professionals who are interested in larger truths and open dialogue, we will start the process of an open discussion in our society on human rights, the multiple sides to the conflict and we will raise awareness of the peaceful solutions that have, for many years, lain dormant.
Our plans for this special media initiative include an open forum in which Palestinian and Jewish media workers can hold an honest discussion on bias and the need to air alternative narratives; conferences on subjects relating to free and open press; work within various media to create new content to highlight the hidden stories of shared society, peaceful intent and human rights; and the creation of targeted campaigns that will use the media to sway public opinion toward creating a just society and working toward peaceful solutions to the conflict.
