French media analyst Philippe Karsenty visited Israel this week and met with several Members of Knesset. Karsenty attempted to convince the Israeli MKs of the importance of fighting anti-Israel media hoaxes.
Karsenty is known for his years-long battle against French media giant France 2 over a video purporting to show the death of Mohammed al-Dura, a 12-year-old boy from Gaza. In 2004, Karsenty alleged that the video was staged, and he called for France 2 correspondent Charles Enderlin to resign.
France 2 hit back, taking Karsenty to court for libel. Karsenty was initially convicted, but his conviction was overturned in 2008 by an appeals court.
Among those who fought Karsenty's efforts to bring the truth to light were officials in the Israeli Foreign Ministry, he recalls. “Most of the people in the Foreign Ministry were collaborating with the worst enemies of Israel,” he says.
Many Israeli leaders do not realize the danger of media hoaxes, he explains. “The good name of Israel has been completely devastated by the Mohammed al-Dura hoax,” he warns. “If we don't correct this, it is going to affect the Jews of today, the Jews of tomorrow and of future generations.”
Despite the likelihood of future court battles – France 2 plans to take its libel suit to the French Supreme Court – Karsenty is optimistic. “One day we will win. I don't know when. But history will remember all these people who lied to cover up the worst anti-Semitic lie of our century,” he believes.
In an interview with INN TV, Karsenty recalls his investigation into the al-Dura video and reveals the expert testimony that convinced him the video was fake. In addition, he discusses the motives behind anti-Israel media hoaxes, the hoaxes that have plagued coverage of Israel since the al-Dura video was released, and his hopes for the future of world media.