Complaints against a popular public broadcaster for denigrating the Efrat pro-life organization have been deemed legitimate, and Gabi Gazit will be instructed to apologize.
On Jan. 21, on one of Israel's most popular radio shows, the 10 AM-noon "HaKol Diburim" (It's All Talk) program hosted by Gabi Gazit, a commercial for Efrat was aired. The short commercial featured a woman saying, "Abortion is not child's play. Many women who have have chosen to have an abortion are sorry and regret it. Before you decide, visit the Efrat website."
Gazit then abruptly said, "Abortion is not child's play, and abortion matters shouldn't be broadcast amidst a series of commercials. With all due respect to Efrat - not this way."
Many listeners complained to the Israel Broadcasting Authority, and Efrat submitted an official complaint as well regarding Gazit's offense at its "commercial, its image and its public standing."
IBA Ombudsmann Amos Goren determined unequivocally that the complaint is justified, and the IBA officially apologized to Efrat.
Goren wrote, "Pursuant to the authority granted me according to the IBA bylaws, I will turn to the Director-General of the IBA asking him to have my findings broadcast on the It's All Talk show."
Gazit has been widely criticized for his brusque and opinionated manner on the publicly-funded program. He is known for his rude interviewing techniques specifically vis-a-vis guests with whom he does not agree. A group called Citizens for Alternative Media ran a nationwide drive to boycott his show. Some 6,000 people responded in the first two weeks.
Efrat provides women who are considering abortion for economic reasons with a choice of financial assistance, including:
* a month's worth of groceries delivered to the door over a 12-month period. 1,200 families are presently receiving a monthly Efrat food package.
* a monthly delivery of baby formula, disposable diapers, baby wipes and baby food.
* the Yad Chava Baby Fund, which delivers a brand-new crib, stroller, and baby bath directly to the new mother's home.
* the EFRAT Layette, which includes sheets, a baby blanket, clothing, bibs, bottles, pacifiers and even a tiny comb and brush set.
On Jan. 21, on one of Israel's most popular radio shows, the 10 AM-noon "HaKol Diburim" (It's All Talk) program hosted by Gabi Gazit, a commercial for Efrat was aired. The short commercial featured a woman saying, "Abortion is not child's play. Many women who have have chosen to have an abortion are sorry and regret it. Before you decide, visit the Efrat website."
Gazit then abruptly said, "Abortion is not child's play, and abortion matters shouldn't be broadcast amidst a series of commercials. With all due respect to Efrat - not this way."
Many listeners complained to the Israel Broadcasting Authority, and Efrat submitted an official complaint as well regarding Gazit's offense at its "commercial, its image and its public standing."
IBA Ombudsmann Amos Goren determined unequivocally that the complaint is justified, and the IBA officially apologized to Efrat.
Goren wrote, "Pursuant to the authority granted me according to the IBA bylaws, I will turn to the Director-General of the IBA asking him to have my findings broadcast on the It's All Talk show."
Gazit has been widely criticized for his brusque and opinionated manner on the publicly-funded program. He is known for his rude interviewing techniques specifically vis-a-vis guests with whom he does not agree. A group called Citizens for Alternative Media ran a nationwide drive to boycott his show. Some 6,000 people responded in the first two weeks.
Efrat provides women who are considering abortion for economic reasons with a choice of financial assistance, including:
* a month's worth of groceries delivered to the door over a 12-month period. 1,200 families are presently receiving a monthly Efrat food package.
* a monthly delivery of baby formula, disposable diapers, baby wipes and baby food.
* the Yad Chava Baby Fund, which delivers a brand-new crib, stroller, and baby bath directly to the new mother's home.
* the EFRAT Layette, which includes sheets, a baby blanket, clothing, bibs, bottles, pacifiers and even a tiny comb and brush set.