In the midst of the Israel-Hamas conflict, the reported death of Refaat Al-Areer in a Gaza airstrike on December 7th has ignited controversy. Known for his provocative pro-Hamas stance and dissemination of anti-Semitic tropes, Al-Areer’s demise has sparked a heated debate. Mohammed Zubair is at the forefront of an attempt to shed light on his controversial past.
Zubair Endorsed
Zubair’s response to Al-Areer’s death raises questions about journalistic integrity. He seemingly sidesteps the deceased ‘journalist’s’ history of peddling misinformation. A key point of contention lies in Zubair’s efforts to portray Al-Areer as an ‘academic’ resisting perceived ‘atrocities’ committed by Israel. The absence of references to Al-Areer’s troubling tweets and misleading claims further raises eyebrows.
Anti-Semitic Brute
One such incident that sheds light on Al-Areer’s controversial approach. On October 29th when journalist Dovid Efune reported the brutal murder of a Jewish child by Hamas terrorists. In a shocking display of insensitivity, Al-Areer responded with a macabre inquiry: “With or without baking powder”.
This incident was just one among many instances where Al-Areer brazenly exhibited his anti-Semitic views.
The Gaza-based ‘journalist’ frequently drew comparisons between Israel and Nazi Germany, going so far as to claim, “Hitler is as peaceful as any Israeli leader”. Such inflammatory statements, like equating Zionism with Nazism, reveal a deeply rooted bias. He had a penchant for perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
Even in the face of Hamas atrocities, Al-Areer actively eulogized the terrorist organization. He attempted to deflect blame by suggesting that Israel was responsible for the deaths of its own civilians. His defense of Hamas’ actions and his sarcastic attribution of blame to Israel further underscore the controversial nature of his reporting.
NYT Felicitation!
Curiously, despite Al-Areer’s open anti-Semitic sentiments, The New York Times featured him as a ‘Gaza poetry Professor’. This raises questions about media ethics and the responsibility of reputable outlets in vetting individuals with a history of promoting hate speech.
In the aftermath of his reported death, Al-Areer has found support from the likes of Rana Ayyub, another controversial figure in the realm of journalism. Her support for figures like Al-Areer does not come across as surprising. Her along with her group of fatal seculars, find peace in celebrating such people!