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On September 30, 2000, the story of 12-year old Muhammad al-Dura inspired rage against Israel. French state television showed a boy cowering in fear beside his father, and alleged that he was intentionally killed by Israel Defense Forces.
French media analyst Philippe Karsenty dared to question the video’s authenticity, exposing a twenty-first century blood libel. The hoax fueled violence and suicide attacks against Jewish targets, and bolstered the anti-Israel propaganda machine.
For his defense of truth, Mr. Karsenty was charged in France with defamation, and fined $14,000. This despite a review of the raw footage that found the boy alive and unwounded in the final scenes, which were not broadcast. Today, Mr. Karsenty continues to battle in court, fighting what he calls a “miscarriage of justice.”
Mr. Karsenty will be in Colorado next Tuesday, August 20th for two events: an exclusive luncheon at the Boulder Cork Restaurant, and a talk to be given at 7:00 pm at Denver’s BMH-BJ synagogue. At both events, Mr. Karsenty will provide an update on his mission for truth.
The lunch at the Boulder Cork has only 15 seats, available for $50 per person, including lunch, and runs from 12:15 pm to 2:00 pm. To reserve your seat, please RSVP to Sylvain Hayoun at Sylvain@hayoun.net.
The talk at BMH-BJ is entitled “Winning the al-Dura Battle” in which Mr. Karsenty will explain his new strategy to win and finally close the al Dura case. BMH is located at 560 South Monaco Parkway, Denver, and there will be a $10 per person charge at the door. Business attire is requested, and there is limited capacity. Picture I.D. will be required to enter the building. If you want to carpool, we will leave from the Har Hashem parking lot at 6:00pm. RSVP for the carpool to Sylvain@hayoun.net.
Philippe Karsenty is vice mayor of Neuilly, and founder and president of Media Ratings, an online watchdog dedicated to holding the French media accountable. This year, Karsenty was named one of the “top 100 people influencing Jewish life” by The Algemeiner. He has been published and interviewed numerous times in the Middle East Quarterly, the Middle East Forum‘s flagship journal. Mr. Karsenty will provide an update on his mission for truth.
More information about Karsenty, the case around France 2 and al Dura can be found in this recent article from the July 24th edition of the Jerusalem Post: French politician appeals to overturn libel conviction on al-Dura video.
I have met Karsenty and spent quite a while in discussion with him. He is a very capable, smart and eloquent speaker for the Jewish people.