Adjudication No. 145 (October 1982) [1982] APC 25

ADJUDICATION No. 145 (October 1982)

The Australian Press Council has received a complaint (letter of 23 August 1982) from Dr George Mendelson about an interview with Mordechai Zippori, Israel's Minister of Communications, in The Herald, Melbourne, on 16 August 1982.

Dr Mendelson complained that the tone of the interview was blatantly biased. Specifically he objected to a question which said in part, "How can the Jews ever again scream of murder at the hands of the Nazis if their own hands are dripping with blood ... how can the Jews ever again talk about genocide in reference to themselves when they are using it so effectively in Beirut?"

The Australian Press Council can understand the sensitivity of many people to the use of the term Jews, and also that it is not synonymous with the word Israelis.

However, Mr Zippori himself used the term "Jew" in his answers.

The questions were vigorous and provocative and designed to elicit answers on a controversial subject.

It is also clear that the interviewer informed Mr Zippori beforehand that some questions might appear harsh. He consented to the interview on this understanding and at no stage sought to end the interview because of the tone of the questions.

The Australian Press Council believes publication in a newspaper of matter disparaging or belittling persons or groups in the community by reference to their sex, race, nationality religion, colour or country of origin is a serious breach of ethical standards.

The Press Council cannot accept that the asking of this question in the context of an extensive interview with Israel's Minister of Communications falls into this category.

The complaint is dismissed.