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NBC made a poor choice and left an unfair image in using the loaded word “assassinate” in reference to Israel’s defensive actions in Gaza: “It’s estimated that nearly 40 Hamas militants have been assassinated in the last six days as the fighting escalates between Gaza and Israel. NBC’s Richard Engel reports.”

All of Israel’s military actions in the last week have been in response to more than 700 Hamas rockets fired into Israel. After showing incredible restraint for days as a good portion of the Israeli population hid in bomb shelters from the terror onslaught, the Israeli government moved to protect and defend its people. Israel’s military response has been a reaction to a Hamas offensive.

The people who were targeted were Hamas operatives who ordered, organized and carried out rocket and other attacks on Israeli civilians.

Using the word “assassinate” in reference to Israel’s actions casts Israel as the aggressor. This leaves viewers with a distorted view of the situation.

Daniel S. Mariaschin
B’nai B’rith International Executive Vice President