"Call It For What It Is": A Lesson From History on Media Responsibility

Recent backlash against The New York Times for its coverage of the kidnapping and murder of Rabbi Zvi Kogan in Dubai is a stark reminder of the power and responsibility of media in shaping public awareness. Critics lambasted the paper for initially downplaying the anti-Semitic terrorism of this heinous act, forcing a headline change after public outcry. But this is not the first time The New York Times and other media outlets have faced scrutiny for failing to adequately report on atrocities targeting Jewish people. History provides a sobering parallel in their coverage of the Holocaust.

The Holocaust: A Tragedy Buried in the Back Pages

During World War II, American newspapers—including The New York Times—often buried stories about the Nazi genocide of European Jews deep within their pages. While information about the Holocaust was available as early as 1942, it was often relegated to minor headlines or framed within broader war reporting. Stories of mass murder that could have galvanized public action and saved countless lives were treated as secondary news.

Key Examples of Media Neglect

1. July 2, 1944: Burying the Murder of 400,000 Hungarian Jews

   • The New York Times reported on the systematic extermination of 400,000 Hungarian Jews—a staggering number—in a small article placed on page 12. The coverage lacked urgency or editorial commentary to emphasize the gravity of the atrocity.

2. Allied Confirmation of Genocide in 1942

   • In November 1942, the Allied governments publicly confirmed Nazi plans for the "Final Solution" to exterminate European Jews. While this was headline news in European media, major American outlets, including The New York Times, gave it limited attention. Instead, military strategies and battlefield updates took precedence.

3. The Warsaw Ghetto Uprising

   • The 1943 Warsaw Ghetto Uprising—one of the most significant acts of Jewish resistance during the Holocaust—received minimal coverage. When mentioned, it was framed as a minor part of the broader war narrative, ignoring the heroism and tragedy of those fighting for survival.

The Consequences of Neglect

The failure to prominently report on the Holocaust contributed to a lack of widespread awareness and urgency. Scholars like Laurel Leff and Deborah Lipstadt argue that this downplaying of Nazi atrocities hindered public pressure on the U.S. government to take action. Refugee policies remained restrictive, and calls for targeted interventions, such as bombing the railways leading to concentration camps, were largely ignored.

The Present Echoes of Past Failures

Fast forward to 2024, and similar patterns emerge in the reporting of anti-Semitic violence. The initial New York Times headline about Rabbi Kogan described his death as merely being "found dead," omitting the anti-Semitic terror element. This language diminishes the true nature of the crime and its broader implications. Public outcry forced a revision to "An Israeli Rabbi Is Abducted and Killed in the U.A.E.," but the damage of initial misrepresentation highlights how words—and their placement—can shape perception and action.

Lessons for Modern-Day Esthers

As Christian Women for Israel, we are reminded of our responsibility to stand for truth and justice, especially when others remain silent or complicit. The media’s historical failure during the Holocaust is a sobering call to action for us today.

• Call It Out: When we see inaccuracies or omissions that downplay anti-Semitism or injustice, we must speak up. Silence enables the normalization of hate.
• Learn From History: Understanding the consequences of past media failures helps us remain vigilant and proactive in defending truth.
• Pray and Advocate: Pray for wisdom, discernment, and the courage to act. Advocate for accurate reporting and fair treatment of Israel and the Jewish people.

A Sobering Reminder

The Holocaust showed the devastating impact of media neglect, and today’s headlines remind us that the fight for truth and justice is ongoing. We cannot afford to let history repeat itself. Let us, as modern-day Esthers, stand boldly for what is right, ensuring that the atrocities and injustices of our time are not buried in the back pages.

What You Can Do

1. Speak Up: When you encounter misrepresentations in the media, write letters, share your voice, and demand accountability.
2. Educate Yourself: Learn about current and historical anti-Semitism to be informed and equipped to act.
3. Support Israel: Join initiatives that provide tangible aid to Israel and its people, amplifying voices for truth and justice.

The lesson is clear: the media has a responsibility to "call it for what it is." But when they fail, we must rise to ensure that truth prevails.