A public dispute unfolded this week between a panelist on a traditional network program and a journalist from another news outlet following the network’s decision to omit a singer's participation in Israel's Independence Day torch-lighting ceremony from its broadcast.
Professor Moshe Cohen-Eliya, a panelist on the program "The Patriots" and a constitutional law scholar, criticized Channel 14 for skipping transgender singer Dana International’s segment and removing her name from the official list of honorees on its website.
Cohen-Eliya stated the decision was wrong and disrespectful, arguing that while the network is Jewish-traditional, it is also a national home, and members of the LGBTQ+ community are part of that home. He said discrimination should be avoided, especially based on sexual orientation.
Journalist Haim Levinson responded sharply, criticizing Cohen-Eliya’s role within the media environment. Levinson called Cohen-Eliya the "pet intellectual of the ultra-Orthodox nationalist movement," accusing him of serving a goal of dismantling liberal institutions.
Cohen-Eliya defended his position, stating he works in a pluralistic environment that permits internal criticism. He accused Levinson of hypocrisy regarding freedom of the press.
He challenged Levinson to speak out against perceived silencing at his own newspaper, citing examples such as the firing of a writer and barring others from appearing on "The Patriots." Cohen-Eliya labeled Levinson anti-liberal and a "coward" who serves "old, corrupt elites" rather than defending free speech.
The exchange continued as Levinson questioned Cohen-Eliya's assertion of a pluralistic workplace immediately after criticizing it.
In a final statement, Cohen-Eliya added context, acknowledging that Dana International’s lifestyle is difficult for many religious individuals. He reiterated his belief the network made a mistake but maintained that the network shows genuine interest in hearing diverse voices. He contrasted this with a perceived directive to boycott his network from Haaretz, where Levinson works.
"If you care about pluralism, speak with your colleagues," Cohen-Eliya stated. "Let’s see how committed they are to diverse dialogue."
