After the publisher of Haaretz, Amos Schocken, referred to Hamas as "freedom fighters," hundreds of cancellations and requests to cancel subscriptions to the Haaretz Group and TheMarker have been reported, as David Wertheim reported on Walla!
Let us remind you that Amos Schocken explained his words and retracted them, but several government ministries requested to cancel the subscriptions – with each ministry having dozens of subscriptions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs alone cancelled 90 subscriptions to the newspaper. In internal meetings at the Haaretz Group, it was discussed today (Sunday) about the "crazy pace of cancellations and a sharp decline in newspaper advertising."
It was also reported in 'Walla' news that the main impact is on those who cancel the newspaper – the print version, as it is harder to recover. Additionally, it was reported that the newspaper has been dealing in the past 24 hours with damage to campaigns, both from government offices and private entities, described by sources within the newspaper as "something that hasn't happened in many years."
This report might explain the unusual statement published today by Leonid Nevzlin, one of the newspaper's owners (25%), in which he distanced himself from the newspaper's publisher, Amos Schocken. "I wish to express my complete disagreement with Amos Schocken's, the newspaper's publisher, perspective in response to the events of October 7th and the current war."
His recent statements at the 'Haaretz' conference held in London are shocking, unacceptable, and even inhumane, as they display insensitivity towards the victims and casualties of that terrible day and the war, the hostages and their families, and the entire people of Israel.
He also said, "I joined as a partner in the newspaper 'Haaretz' about 13 years ago, to help and support the newspaper during a difficult time." While I am a strong believer in the values of liberalism and a free press, I feel it is my duty to share my position with you. Amos's words clash with the values of the newspaper, with my own values, and with the values of most of the journalists and employees of the newspaper."
He continued "I regret that Amos exploited the platform of 'Haaretz' and spread his personal and extreme opinions, without emphasizing that these are his private views, which do not represent those of the newspaper. Despite Amos's apology, I believe that "Haaretz" is committed to upholding its core values impartially, ensuring that it does not represent only one side."
The Haaretz shared owner finished by saying, "True democracy requires recognition of all perspectives and a range of opinions, and the transmission of all objective information."
No response was received from Haaretz publisher Amos Schocken.
