Settlers in the administered territories have found a novel way of avoiding any claim that the posting of “press” signs on their cars can be interpreted as impersonating journalists.
They have begun using white signs reading “press” in large English letters, over a line in smaller Hebrew letters reading “enemy of the people.”
They explain that the new signs do not misrepresent the cars’ occupants but merely make a public statement of their feeling that the news media are enemies of their version of the Zionist ideal.
The police commissioner has ruled that the use of press signs by police officers on duty is not illegal, but is allowed only in exceptional circumstances and must have his personal consent.
The Israel Journalists Association and the Foreign Press Association claim that the use of their official press signs is designed to protect them from attacks related to the Palestinian uprising. They fear that the wide misuse of press identification will invite hostile attacks by Palestinians.
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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.
