The Palestine Liberation Organization delegate to the United Nations and the Ambassador of the Persian Gulf state of Catas found out here last week that reporters should be mode to work for their supper before they are fed.
The object lesson was learned at a gala dinner which the Arab envoys gave at the Intercontinental Hotel for three deported West Bank leaders who were appearing before the UN Human Rights Commission to protest their expulsion from the Israel occupied territory. After a sumptuous repast, the PLO delegate informed the ladies and gentlemen of the press that “We shall now be glad to answer your questions.” This was greeted by groans from the assembled journalists who had met only the day before with Mayor Mohammed Milhim of Halhoul, Mayor Fahed Kawasme of Hebron and the Kadi (religious judge) Rojeb Buyud Tamimi of Hebron.
One reporter rose to say there was no point in “damaging this dinner’s solemn atmosphere by asking questions.” A pro-PLO correspondent admonished the hosts. “They give us food and drink and then tell us to pay the bill,” he said, referring to the call for questions.
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
