http://www.jewishledger.com/2012/07/gentlemans-agreement/
It is obviously easier to criticize how something was covered in the newspaper or who was included in an international or academic forum than to write about what or who was not there. Often, the most powerful bias of a publication or conference organizer comes out in what they choose not to report or for a meeting, who was excluded.
Last year, the United States established a Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF), inviting a total of 29 states. As the State Department website reads, “Launched by Secretary Clinton on September 22, 2011, the GCTF is a major initiative within the Obama Administration’s broader effort to build the international architecture for dealing with 21st century terrorism”.
Israel, which has certainly had vast experience with terrorism, was not even mentioned in Secretary Clinton’s initial remarks in September, let alone invited. As for a video on terrorism victims prepared for the GCTF, the State Department advised, “Watch Global Survivors Network’s documentary, featuring survivors from Jordan, Northern Ireland, Pakistan, India, Uganda, Turkey, Columbia, Spain, Northern Ireland, Indonesia and the United States”. Still no Israel.
And from the New York Times and other media?
Nothing.
As a physician I am often reminded, “If you don’t document it, it did not happen”. The New York Times famously promises to provide “All the news that’s fit to print”.
The United States established the GCTF. While this is commendable, Israel was excluded not only from the initial membership but also from the June meeting in Turkey and the July meeting in Spain.
In her remarks at the GCTF’s most recent meeting, Israel was also MIA (missing in action) from the list of terrorist victims recounted by Maria Otero, the State Department’s Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights.
It has been observed that not inviting Israel to a counterterrorism conference is like excluding Colombia from a coffee conference. Colombia, of course, is an exporter of coffee, while Israel may be the world’s leading recipient of terrorism. Israel’s experience combatting terrorism is unmatched.
There has been an ongoing effort at boycott, divestment and sanctions directed at Israel, the so-called BDS movement. Israelis have been excluded from academic conferences, as well as from appearing on campuses and international forums, her enemies seeking to isolate and thereby destroy her.