The East Tennessean is devoted to being East Tennessee State University’s watchdog and providing unbiased coverage that is or has affected members of the ETSU community.
When an article regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was assigned, I worked with the writer to find the appropriate contact. I initiated the process of finding a person from Israel or Palestine through the department of International Enrollment and Services. When we received a response, we learned there were not students from Israel or Palestine currently enrolled; however, they had a contact for a Palestinian alumni, Aseel Kabariti, who may be interested in being interviewed. Kabariti was interviewed and the East Tennessean printed the story on the Oct. 30, 2023, front page.
Though Tennessee is an ocean away from Palestine and Israel, members of our community are dealing with the effects of these attacks daily. For that reason, the story was assigned and published and the East Tennessean stands behind that decision. I understand concerns with the publication providing unbiased coverage. I never had intentions of not sharing a Jewish student’s story; however, at the time of publication we did not find that perspective. We are seeking that perspective as we agree it is important to include the perspective from a Jewish member(s) of our community.
In the article, the history of the conflicts is factually inaccurate. The conflicts have been ongoing for thousands of years and it is important to note that. However, the actions of the past are not representative of today’s Israeli and Palestinian citizens.
