A former staff member of the New York Times criticized the publication on Monday for misrepresenting facts regarding Israeli hostages who were reportedly forced to dig their own graves.
In a turn of events, liberal media outlets updated a homepage article that prominently featured an image of a malnourished child in Gaza. A video surfaced showing Ivaiatar David, who has been held by Hamas since October 7, 2023, without utilizing a shocking photo that depicted his frail appearance.
The video was titled “Hundreds of Protests Erupt in Tel Aviv Following Hostage Video from Gaza,” suggesting that “the spread of this Hamas-produced video shows Israeli hostages in distress, prompting protests in Tel Aviv for the return of their loved ones.”
Yaakov Ort, who worked for the Creative Services Division of the Times for 35 years, publicly chastised his former employer on Facebook, criticizing the notion that most Israelis are protesting for a ceasefire.
“This is a horrific twist of facts and a heartless suppression of reality. Instead of focusing on hostage Eviator David—forced to dig his grave by Hamas—the coverage chooses to highlight the protests in Tel Aviv,” he stated.
Currently with Chabad.org, Ort expressed his disappointment in the editorial choices made by the Times, stating he had never previously criticized his colleagues openly but found the situation disheartening.
“If there had been a Jerusalem Bureau at the Times reporting the views and actions of the majority in Israel, they would’ve conveyed that millions of reactions—more than just fear—were present in response to the torture of our children,” Ort commented.
“The symbolism of the image is appropriate. Digging our own graves reflects the editorial direction and decisions of those in charge at the Times, who seem to fear what they report daily,” he added.
The Times has not responded to requests for comment.
David, 24, was involved in one of the most violent incidents on October 7, where over 350 individuals were killed by Hamas in Nova Rave, southern Israel. His family has said he became a “living skeleton” inside the Hamas tunnel.
Ort’s frustration follows the Times correcting a piece that featured disturbing images of a child purportedly suffering from starvation in Gaza.
A note from the editor, which appeared in last Tuesday’s edition, revealed that Mohammed Zakaria al-Mutawak, identified as suffering from severe malnutrition, actually faced “pre-existing health issues.”
“We recently discussed the plight of Gaza’s most vulnerable civilians. Mohamed, at 18 months, is indeed malnourished,” a spokesperson said.
“After further information emerged from the hospital concerning his treatment and medical records, we adjusted our articles to provide context about his pre-existing condition,” the spokesperson added, highlighting the importance of this clarification for readers.
Images of Mohammed, displaying a frail face and protruding spine while being held by his mother, have circulated widely, often used to illustrate the humanitarian crisis during the conflict.
Shortly after the Times piece was published, images emerged from a pro-Israel group showing Mohammed’s elder brother, Jude, appearing in better health.
Mohammed’s mother previously told CNN that her son suffers from a “muscle disorder,” requiring specific nutrition and therapy.
