Say, remember that worldwide media blitz about how Israeli archeologists were going to destroy the Al-Aqsa mosque by building a new ramp to the Temple Mount? Remember the incredibly biased stories that insisted on minimizing the Temple Mount’s meaning to Jews and maximizing the Muslim connection? Remember how there were stage-managed riots about the Temple Mount ramp?
Well, the AP has finally noticed that Jews are outraged that the Islamic Waqf, who frankly should not be in control of a toy model of the Temple Mount, is now digging a 500-yard trench in the Temple Mount complex, destroying precious artifacts, and once again trying to “prove” there are no Jewish ties to the Temple Mount complex. And the AP is aiding and abetting, by adding even more bias to their piece. The lede:
Israeli archaeologists on Wednesday criticized the extension of an underground cable at Jerusalem’s holiest site for Muslims and Jews, saying that digging the trench defies professional standards for such a sensitive historic site and could damage Bible-era relics.
Islamic authorities responsible for the Al Aqsa Mosque complex, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, said the digging is necessary infrastructure work at the site to replace 40-year-old electrical cables ahead of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
The site is at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It is home to Al Aqsa Mosque and the gold-capped Dome of the Rock, Islam’s third-holiest shrine. It is also the holiest site in Judaism: Archaeological finds show that the remains of the temples are beneath the mosque compound, although Muslim clerics dispute that.
Note the emphasis: Islam first, Judaism last, in every paragraph. And now, the AP is adding a disclaimer to factual evidence. Archeologists have found unassailable proof that the Temple Mount is, indeed, the Temple Mount. Muslim clerics deny these facts. So naturally, the AP equates the denial and lies of religious leaders, whose goal is to eliminate all traces of Judaism from the site of the Jewish Temples, with archeological proof that the clerics are lying. Yes, absolutely, in the lede of your article, give equal weight to actual proof and the rantings of Muslims in denial of facts. That is what’s known as “objectivity.” Sure. Uh-huh.
And then, quote the Waqf officials without context, such as the fact that when the Waqf excavated Solomon’s Stables, they dumped tons of precious artifacts into a garbage dump, where Israeli archeologists have found relics and artifacts from the Temple eras.
Yusuf Natsheh, an antiquities official in the Waqf, the Muslim authority responsible for the site, said the criticism by the Israeli group was “politically motivated,” and the area would not be damaged by the tractor.
“We don’t hide anything,” he said, adding that anyone can see what the digging has unearthed. “These are all assumptions with no evidence, and lack scientific considerations.”
That’s a lie. The Waqf does not operate in the open, not when Israel doesn’t require archeological oversight of their actions.
I cannot understand why Israel continues to let these people do this. This is an ongoing attempt to remove all traces of Judaism from the site, so that they can continue with the lie that Jerusalem has no Jewish roots. Every time I read that another Arab spokesliar says that Jews are trying to “Judaize” Jerusalem, my jaw simply drops to the floor.
And last, but not least, we have this bland reference to last winter’s Temple Mount ramp controversy (which building was stopped due to the controversy):
Archaeological digs earlier this year by Israeli authorities next to the holy site sparked protests by Muslims. The Israelis said they were excavating outside the mosque site before improving an entry ramp.
Yes, because that’s exactly what they were doing. Making sure that they didn’t destroy any precious artifacts. Unlike the Waqf, whose sole purpose appears to be to destroy any and all evidence of Jewish artifacts in the Mount.
I can’t stand writing these stories any more. I just can’t. Because I am simply stunned that Israel allows this desecration on a regular basis, and kowtows to Muslims on all issues. Olmert is even talking about giving up control of the Temple Mount, or at least, sharing it with Christians and Muslims.
Stopping now. Reaching dangerous blood pressure zone.
It is not to say that journalists shouldn’t pursue an interesting story where they can. And interviewing Khaled Meshaal, the under-assassinated head of Hamas, is a good story.