The haredi daily Yated Ne'eman on Thursday morning roused a storm after its front page headline reported a "multi-casualty" incident in Gaza - before the matter was cleared for publication by the IDF.
The front page of the Lithuanian-haredi newspaper boasted a red background with the words, "Not cleared for publication: A multi-casualty incident." The newspaper was distributed before the incident, which killed five haredi 'Chetz' soldiers and injured several others, was cleared for publication. Frantic parents did not know where to turn to find out who the soldiers were.
The IDF censor places a gag order if soldiers have fallen until it has gotten to each family whose son fell, individually and personally, this so that parents will not suffer knowing that soldiers were killed but not knowing who they are. Only then is the incident made public by the media.. Three representatives come to the door of each home to tell the parents, known in Israel as the dreaded "knock at the door."
Galatz journalist Doron Kadosh responded; "Whoever does not know the stomachaches, the stress, and the pressure of the families at home, when rumors start to come in; the hours of sleepless nights, of worry and fear' the phone calls to anyone who might have a drop of information - will not understand."
"He will not understand - and he will not be ashamed. His senses are dulled to the pain of bereavement."
Journalist Kobi Dahan responded: "Yated Ne'eman jumped off the diving board. They violated the censor. When there is no taking part [in the fears of parents whose sons are serving] or understanding [their tension], there is also no feeling or compassion."
Former journalist Omer Carmon responded: "The families of the soldiers are superheroes. The Yated Ne'eman this morning showed a horrific and terrifying display of insensitivity. If it is not cleared for publication in order not to hurt the families of the fallen, you do not publish it!!!!!"