Israeli PR Fails the ‘decent, honest, truthful' Test
VTR
Israeli PR Fails the ‘decent, honest, truthful' Test
It’s a mistake to think you can turn around a poor brand by throwing more PR at it. You have to
improve the product. In Israel’s case they’ll have to cut out the crime and racism, hand back
what they have stolen, scrupulously observe international law and UN Charter obligations, and
show contrition for past sins, says Stuart Littlewood.
When Ron Prosor arrived in London last year to take up his post as Israeli ambassador he was
eager to step up public relations. He told the Israeli newspaper Haaretz: "I'm not afraid to
appear anywhere, and there is no platform… that I will not utilize for PR work."
We are familiar with the usual Israeli PR mantras:
- having to contend with suicide bombers,
- how Arafat turned down former prime minister Barak's so-called 'generous offer' in 2000,
- how the Israeli public has moved to the left in recent years whereas Palestinians have -
moved to the extreme right,
- Israel is a democracy under attack,
- Jerusalem is the capital of Israel forever,
- Israel is against any negotiations with Hamas because it as a terrorist movement.
This last is all the more preposterous when echoed by the US, Britain and the EU, which have
connived to keep Palestine under Israel’s military jackboot for 40 years.
Israel, of course, is an ethnocracy with racist laws, not a democracy as we know it in the
West. This week an Israeli human rights organization, Gisha, is appealing against a decision by
Israel’s so-called ‘democracy’ banning radio advertisements to highlight the plight of
Palestinian students enrolled at foreign universities but prevented by Israel from leaving the
Gaza Strip. The director-general of the Broadcast Authority said the subject was “politically
and ideologically controversial”.
I wonder if the Ambassador is aware that in the UK PR campaigns are supposed to observe rules
set down by the Advertising Standards Authority? In short, all marketing communications must be
legal, decent, honest and truthful. The main difficulty for Israeli PR, as others have pointed
out, is that Israel is probably the world's worst brand, followed closely by Zionism. Any
marketing effort that is remotely decent, honest or truthful would sink both.
Let's take the recent Telegraph article, in which the Ambassador says "the constant barrage of
rockets being fired on Israeli citizens... the average British citizen is painfully unaware
that, since Hamas seized control of Gaza last year, 1,400 rockets and 1,500 mortar bombs have
landed on Israeli soil." He fails to mention that these crude, home-made projectiles are
nothing compared to the thousands of high-tech munitions fired by Israeli F16s, helicopter
gun-ships, armed drones, tanks, troops and warships at the 1.5 million civilians imprisoned in
the Gaza Strip. Is that honest?
Under the rules "no marketing communication should mislead, or be likely to mislead, by
inaccuracy, ambiguity, exaggeration, omission or otherwise".
Ambassador Prosor claims that "Britain has become a hotbed for radical anti-Israeli views
...Israel has been cast as a pantomime villain… a climate of hatred is fomented on campuses."
This would be hard to prove. Under the rules he must hold documentary evidence to support all
claims, whether direct or implied, that are capable of objective substantiation.
If anti-Israeli views do exist, I imagine they're directed not so much against the Israel
people as the Zionist Tendency that rules.
As for hatred, the Israeli government provides a runs master-classes on how to stoke it up.
Take the latest example. A report by Peace Now, an Israeli non-governmental organisation, says
that at least 2,600 new Israelis-only homes are currently under construction – illegally - in
Palestine’s West Bank, an increase of 80 per cent over last year. In occupied East Jerusalem,
which Palestinians justly claim as the capital of their future state, the number of new Israeli
government bids for construction has increased from 46 in 2007 to 1,761 so far this year.
This breaches earlier agreements as well as international law and obviously undermines final
status talks. Tzipi Livni, the Israeli foreign minister, says the construction will not affect
talks. "The peace process is not, and should not be, affected by any kind of settlement
activities" and the settlement building programme should not be used as an excuse to avoid
negotiations, she tells Palestinians. What planet is the woman on? Everybody knows perfectly
well that settlement building, like the Separation Wall, is a Trojan horse used by Israelis to
bite deep into Palestinian land, seize control of precious water resources and fragment any
future Palestinian state. The Israel government is busily creating ‘facts on the ground’ that
are likely to prevent any peace deal, so cannot be regarded as a real ‘partner for peace’.
Enter Condoleezza Rice, having lost all touch with reality and ignoring Peace Now and other
reports. She says she has faith in Israeli intentions. "I don't believe that it is Israel's
policy to increase activity in the settlements, rather it is to decrease activity," she
remarked during a press conference. Rice is supposed to be bright but evidently inhabits the
same planet as Livni.
PR lies go unchallenged
Let's dwell for a moment on Barak's 'generous offer', another of the myths Israelis love to
peddle. The West Bank and the Gaza Strip, seized by Israel in 1967 and occupied ever since,
comprise just 22% of pre-partition Palestine. When the Palestinians signed the Oslo Agreement
in 1993 they agreed to accept the 22% and recognise Israel within ‘Green Line’ borders (i.e.
the 1949 Armistice Line established after the Arab-Israeli War). Conceding 78% of the land that
was originally theirs was an astonishing compromise on the part of the Palestinians.
But it wasn't enough for Barak. His 'generous offer' required the inclusion of 69 Israeli
settlements within the 22% remnant. It’s plain to see on the map that these settlement blocs
create impossible borders and already severely disrupt Palestinian life in the West Bank. Barak
also demanded the Palestinian territories be placed under "Temporary Israeli Control", meaning
Israeli military and administrative control indefinitely. The 'generous offer' also gave Israel
control over all the border crossings of the new Palestinian State. What nation in the world
would accept that? The truth contained in Barak’s maps was hidden by propaganda spin.
At Taba, Barak produced a revised map. The Palestinians considered it a basis for negotiation
but Barak repudiated it after his election defeat. You don’t have to take my word for it – the
facts are well documented and explained by organisations such as Gush Shalom.
Another rule to remember is that you "should not exploit the credulity, lack of knowledge or
inexperience" of your audience.
Several weeks ago I and others, describing ourselves as Friends of Mohammed Omer, wrote to
Ambassador Prosor asking for an explanation after the young journalist was beaten up and
hospitalised by Israeli security thugs when he arrived at the Allenby Bridge border crossing on
26 June. Mohammed, who had committed no crime, was on his way home to his family in Gaza after
receiving the coveted Martha Gellhorn prize for journalism at a ceremony in London.
Mr Prosor ignored our request and several reminders, and finally had his Deputy Head of Mission
send a woefully inadequate response to an MP. In it the Israelis tried to demolish Mohammed’s
‘testimony’ and discredit him. But according to Mr Omer no Israeli investigator contacted him
and no-one asked for medical reports. Refusing an independent inquiry or tribunal in such a
case, and not even interviewing the victim or his doctors, or the Dutch diplomats who
accompanied him, spells whitewash… and a PR blunder of the first magnitude.
As if that wasn’t bad enough, when the two Free Gaza boats broke the illegal blockade last week
Israel’s propaganda machine lashed out, calling the 40-odd multi-national and multi-faith
activists who undertook the voyage a "handful of provocateurs seeking a public relations stunt…
aimed at boosting Hamas”. This ridiculous claim didn’t end there. The siege-breakers, said
Israeli officials, “support Hamas suicide bombers and rocket attacks on Israel towns and
cities” and show "a complete and total disregard for innocent Israel terror victims".
Unable to say anything intelligent about the voyagers – or indeed Hamas – the Israelis as usual
resorted to nasty accusations that could not possibly be justified.
Most of the PR fodder pumped out relentlessly by Israeli propagandists in London and Tel Aviv
could never hope to pass the ‘decent, honest and truthful’ test. Those responsible for it are
plainly incompetent in the professional marketing sense. If only the Palestinians and the Arab
League would get their media act together they could make mincemeat of their Israeli tormentors
in the all-important battle for hearts and minds.
But I hear on the grapevine that the Palestinian Authority – that den of collaborators in
Ramallah – promised their US sponsor not to embarrass Israel in public. So the PA, knowing
which side their bread is buttered, make no effort. Israel’s PR lies go unchallenged… except by
Hamas.
It’s a mistake to think you can turn around a poor brand by throwing more PR at it. You have to
improve the product. In Israel’s case they’ll have to cut out the crime and racism, hand back
what they have stolen, scrupulously observe international law and UN Charter obligations, and
show contrition for past sins. Only then will it be possible to begin turning Israel into an
acceptable and marketable entity with a fine reputation for justice and good neighbourliness,
which surely is what most people wish to see.
When that’s on track is when good PR kicks in.
Stuart Littlewood is author of the book Radio Free Palestine, which tells the plight of the
Palestinians under occupation.
The_Endeavor
B.H. Cramer
"The_Endeavor" <The_En...@Noaddress.com> wrote in message
news:MPG.232810bfe...@nntp.motzarella.org...
> It is hardly the only time the Palestinians have done stupid things .
It was no "generous" offer, rearender.
The yids maintained control of borders
The yids maintained control of roads
The yids maintained control of airspace
The yids maintained control of travel
The yids maintained control of water
The yids maintained control of power
The yids maintained the illegal settlements
The yids maintained an illegal occupying force in the "state"
Such a generosity already.
The_Endeavor
benj...@yourinvitation.com says...
>
> "The_Endeavor" <The_En...@Noaddress.com> wrote in message
> news:MPG.232810bfe...@nntp.motzarella.org...
> > It is hardly the only time the Palestinians have done stupid things .
>
> It was no "generous" offer, rearender.
>
> The yids maintained control of borders
> The yids maintained control of roads
> The yids maintained control of airspace
> The yids maintained control of travel
All lies, the PA were given a state. Israel would have no control over
them.
> The yids maintained control of water
Another lie. The Palestinians would have been given desalinization
plants to ensure them adequate water.
> The yids maintained control of power
> The yids maintained the illegal settlements
Israel would have withdrawn from 63 settlements as a result.
> The yids maintained an illegal occupying force in the "state"
But they offered to give some of proper Israel in exchange.
>
> Such a generosity already.
Indeed and the Arabs were fools not to accept it.
B.H. Cramer
"The_Endeavor" <The_En...@Noaddress.com > wrote in message
> In article <jt-dnYbDbt4R7yPV...@giganews.com>,
> benj...@yourinvitation.com says...
>>
>> "The_Endeavor" <The_En...@Noaddress.com> wrote in message
>> news:MPG.232810bfe...@nntp.motzarella.org...
>> > It is hardly the only time the Palestinians have done stupid things .
>>
>> It was no "generous" offer, rearender.
>>
>> The yids maintained control of borders
>> The yids maintained control of roads
>> The yids maintained control of airspace
>> The yids maintained control of travel
>
> All lies, the PA were given a state. Israel would have no control over
> them.
Horsefuckingshit. You need to appraise yourself of the conditions which
accompanied this "generous" offer, you braindead, lying little prick.
>
>> The yids maintained control of water
>
> Another lie. The Palestinians would have been given desalinization
> plants to ensure them adequate water.
Horsefucking shit.
>
>> The yids maintained control of power
>> The yids maintained the illegal settlements
>
> Israel would have withdrawn from 63 settlements as a result.
Fucking balls. The yids stated they would NOT withdraw from the illegal
settlements.
>
>> The yids maintained an illegal occupying force in the "state"
>
> But they offered to give some of proper Israel in exchange.
They did nothing of the sort, you stupid, lying little prick.
>
>>
>> Such a generosity already.
>
>
> Indeed and the Arabs were fools not to accept it.
Bullshit they were. They would have wound up in village sized enclaves, with
NO connecting roads between any of them they would have been able to use.
They would have had to rely on Ersatz israel for food, water, travel,
electricity, oil - everything.
Why don't you do a little research before you open your gob and spray yid
lies around, arsewipe?
The_Endeavor
>
> "The_Endeavor" <The_En...@Noaddress.com > wrote in message
> news:MPG.232931ed5...@nntp.motzarella.org...
> > In article <jt-dnYbDbt4R7yPV...@giganews.com>,
> > benj...@yourinvitation.com says...
> >>
> >> "The_Endeavor" <The_En...@Noaddress.com> wrote in message
> >> news:MPG.232810bfe...@nntp.motzarella.org...
> >> > It is hardly the only time the Palestinians have done stupid things .
> >>
> >> It was no "generous" offer, rearender.
> >>
> >> The yids maintained control of borders
> >> The yids maintained control of roads
> >> The yids maintained control of airspace
> >> The yids maintained control of travel
> >
> > All lies, the PA were given a state. Israel would have no control over
> > them.
>
> Horsefuckingshit. You need to appraise yourself of the conditions which
> accompanied this "generous" offer, you braindead, lying little prick.
(a)
Unlike you I have.
> >
> >> The yids maintained control of water
> >
> > Another lie. The Palestinians would have been given desalinization
> > plants to ensure them adequate water.
>
> Horsefucking shit.
Clearly you do not know what a desalinization plant is.
> >
> >> The yids maintained control of power
> >> The yids maintained the illegal settlements
> >
> > Israel would have withdrawn from 63 settlements as a result.
>
> Fucking balls. The yids stated they would NOT withdraw from the illegal
> settlements.
Israel is the occupying power so none of the settlements are illegal?
>
> >
> >> The yids maintained an illegal occupying force in the "state"
> >
> > But they offered to give some of proper Israel in exchange.
>
> They did nothing of the sort, you stupid, lying little prick.
see (a) above
>
> >
> >>
> >> Such a generosity already.
> >
> >
> > Indeed and the Arabs were fools not to accept it.
>
> Bullshit they were. They would have wound up in village sized enclaves, with
> NO connecting roads between any of them they would have been able to use.
> They would have had to rely on Ersatz israel for food, water, travel,
> electricity, oil - everything.
As I have shown above this is all false.
>
> Why don't you do a little research before you open your gob and spray yid
> lies around, arsewipe?
see (a) above
B.H. Cramer
"The_Endeavor" <The_En...@Noaddress.com > wrote in message
Nothing to do with knowing what a desalinisation plant is, fuckstain, and
all to do with knowing the yids.
>
>> >
>> >> The yids maintained control of power
>> >> The yids maintained the illegal settlements
>> >
>> > Israel would have withdrawn from 63 settlements as a result.
>>
>> Fucking balls. The yids stated they would NOT withdraw from the illegal
>> settlements.
>
> Israel is the occupying power so none of the settlements are illegal?
They are according to the UN, cunt. Nor should they have an occupying army
in the WB.
>
>
>>
>> >
>> >> The yids maintained an illegal occupying force in the "state"
>> >
>> > But they offered to give some of proper Israel in exchange.
>>
>> They did nothing of the sort, you stupid, lying little prick.
>
> see (a) above
See what above? All I see are more lies and b'ullshit from you.
>
>>
>> >
>> >>
>> >> Such a generosity already.
>> >
>> >
>> > Indeed and the Arabs were fools not to accept it.
>>
>> Bullshit they were. They would have wound up in village sized enclaves,
>> with
>> NO connecting roads between any of them they would have been able to use.
>> They would have had to rely on Ersatz israel for food, water, travel,
>> electricity, oil - everything.
>
> As I have shown above this is all false.
It is NOT false. They are ALL absolute facts.
Grow a brain, learn to read, and also learn how to be an honest person, jew
cunt.
The_Endeavor
Clearly you have just done a net search to find out what a
desalinization plant is as you did not know before.
>
> >
> >> >
> >> >> The yids maintained control of power
> >> >> The yids maintained the illegal settlements
> >> >
> >> > Israel would have withdrawn from 63 settlements as a result.
> >>
> >> Fucking balls. The yids stated they would NOT withdraw from the illegal
> >> settlements.
> >
> > Israel is the occupying power so none of the settlements are illegal?
>
> They are according to the UN, cunt. Nor should they have an occupying army
> in the WB.
Why not an occupying army?
>
> >
> >
> >>
> >> >
> >> >> The yids maintained an illegal occupying force in the "state"
> >> >
> >> > But they offered to give some of proper Israel in exchange.
> >>
> >> They did nothing of the sort, you stupid, lying little prick.
> >
> > see (a) above
>
> See what above? All I see are more lies and b'ullshit from you.
That is because you did not read it.
> >
> >>
> >> >
> >> >>
> >> >> Such a generosity already.
> >> >
> >> >
> >> > Indeed and the Arabs were fools not to accept it.
> >>
> >> Bullshit they were. They would have wound up in village sized enclaves,
> >> with
> >> NO connecting roads between any of them they would have been able to use.
> >> They would have had to rely on Ersatz israel for food, water, travel,
> >> electricity, oil - everything.
> >
> > As I have shown above this is all false.
>
> It is NOT false. They are ALL absolute facts.
Well as you have just now discovered a desalinization plant produces
water.
>
> Grow a brain, learn to read, and also learn how to be an honest person, jew
> cunt.
God gave me the best brain.
B.H. Cramer
"The_Endeavor" <The_En...@Noaddress.com > wrote in message
Fucking fool.
And learn to spell in English, ferfuckssake and not Merkin.
>
>>
>> >
>> >> >
>> >> >> The yids maintained control of power
>> >> >> The yids maintained the illegal settlements
>> >> >
>> >> > Israel would have withdrawn from 63 settlements as a result.
>> >>
>> >> Fucking balls. The yids stated they would NOT withdraw from the
>> >> illegal
>> >> settlements.
>> >
>> > Israel is the occupying power so none of the settlements are illegal?
>>
>> They are according to the UN, cunt. Nor should they have an occupying
>> army
>> in the WB.
>
> Why not an occupying army?
Because it's against the UN charter, fuckstain.
>
>>
>> >
>> >
>> >>
>> >> >
>> >> >> The yids maintained an illegal occupying force in the "state"
>> >> >
>> >> > But they offered to give some of proper Israel in exchange.
>> >>
>> >> They did nothing of the sort, you stupid, lying little prick.
>> >
>> > see (a) above
>>
>> See what above? All I see are more lies and b'ullshit from you.
>
>
> That is because you did not read it.
No, cunt. You did not read what I posted.
>
>
>> >
>> >>
>> >> >
>> >> >>
>> >> >> Such a generosity already.
>> >> >
>> >> >
>> >> > Indeed and the Arabs were fools not to accept it.
>> >>
>> >> Bullshit they were. They would have wound up in village sized
>> >> enclaves,
>> >> with
>> >> NO connecting roads between any of them they would have been able to
>> >> use.
>> >> They would have had to rely on Ersatz israel for food, water, travel,
>> >> electricity, oil - everything.
>> >
>> > As I have shown above this is all false.
>>
>> It is NOT false. They are ALL absolute facts.
>
> Well as you have just now discovered a desalinization plant produces
> water.
Fucking tooler.
>
>
>>
>> Grow a brain, learn to read, and also learn how to be an honest person,
>> jew
>> cunt.
>
> God gave me the best brain.
BBBWWWAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
So much for the yid god thing.
>
>
>
j.schmitt
YOU NO BRAINER
only mother nature
"The_Endeavor" <The_En...@Noaddress.com > wrote in message
news:MPG.232a749ec...@nntp.motzarella.org...