United with Israel

Arab ‘Reporter’ Accuses Miss Universe Contestants in Israel of Stealing Arab Dresses, Attacking Palestinian Culture

Abdel Hamid Abdel Jaber

Abdel Hamid Abdel Jaber (YouTube/Screenshot)

Abdel Hamid Abel Jaber is a reminder that credentials do not confer wisdom, objectivity or eloquence.

By Pesach Benson, United With Israel

Reporters are entitled to ask uncomfortable questions. That’s the point of press conferences.

That said, questions posed at media events can betray a journalist’s ignorance or bias.

Case in point is Abdel Hamid Abel Jaber, a columnist for the London-based daily, Al Quds Al-Arabi.

Jaber also lectures on Mideast studies at Rutgers University in New Jersey. On Tuesday, he attended a briefing by Stephane Dujarric, a spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Dujarric updated the smattering of journalists on the specifics of the Secretary-General’s day — a Zoom meeting with UN staffers abroad about sustainable development and COVID-related issues, and a new appointment in the Secretary-General’s office.

After expressing condolences to Haiti, where 71 people were killed in a gas tanker explosion, Dujarric went on to brief reporters about peacekeeping and aid developments in Mali, Ethiopia, Afghanistan and Yemen.

He then took routine questions about upcoming Libyan elections and human rights issues in Bangladesh.

Finally, Jaber raised his hand.

Prefacing his question, Jaber asserted that “The Israeli occupation forces are not only confiscating Palestinian land, bulldozing their homes and expanding settlement activities, but also they are stealing their culture.”

Jaber then held up his tablet to show Dujarric a photo of three Miss Universe contestants visiting Bedouins and wearing their clothing.

Before the pageant, the contestants visited the Bedouin town of Rahat, near Beersheva. Bedouins predominate Rahat and its population of 70,000 makes the Israeli municipality the largest Bedouin city in the world. Palestinian trolls on Twitter denounced that visit saying it illicitly misappropriated Palestinian culture.

Bedouins, a nomadic people, are not ethnically Palestinian. An estimated 200,000 Bedouins live in Israel. Another 40,000 live under Palestinian Authority jurisdiction in Judea and Samaria.

Had Rahat not been on the Miss Universe itinerary, Israel would have opened itself up to accusations of ignoring its minorities.

Nonetheless, Jaber pressed on. “The contenders for Miss Universe, three of them, stole the Palestinian-embroidered dresses and appeared as [if] they are Israelis. I want an answer from the UN, and especially from UNESCO. How could this attack on Palestinian culture can be tolerated.”

Dujarric said he had no comment, offered to provide Jaber with UNESCO’s contact info, and ended the press conference.

Having UN press credentials means a journalist is associated with a recognized media organization and has been vetted by the UN’s Media Accreditation & Liaison Unit.

Jaber is a reminder that credentials do not confer additional wisdom, objectivity or eloquence.

Bring Joy to Israeli Soldiers - Send Winter Care Packages!

We are honored to thank the young men and women of the IDF who risk their lives every day to defend the citizens of Israel.

Join us in sending winter care packages and personal notes of support to Israeli soldiers who are out in the cold all day.

Warm up a soldier's heart with essential winter wear including fleece jackets, hats, gloves and more. Keep an entire unit warm!

THE SOLDIERS REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR LOVE AND CONCERN!

Click Here to Send Your Gift and Personal Note to Israeli Soldiers

Do You Love Israel? Make a Donation - Show Your Support!

Donate to vital charities that help protect Israeli citizens and inspire millions around the world to support Israel too!

Now more than ever, Israel needs your help to fight and win the war -- including on the battlefield of public opinion.

Antisemitism, anti-Israel bias and boycotts are out of control. Israel's enemies are inciting terror and violence against innocent Israelis and Jews around the world. Help us fight back!

STAND WTH ISRAEL - MAKE A DONATION TODAY!

Exit mobile version