I was saddened by the refusal of the BBC to show the Disaster Emergency Committee’s Appeal for Gaza. Some weeks after the event I decided to show the video during the announcements at three of our church services. At one of the services I asked worshippers to put up their hand if they had seen the appeal before. I had not expected many to have seen it, but I was surprised that NOBODY AT ALL had seen it!
One senior British politician said that the refusal to air this appeal would cost lives. I agree, and I cannot think of a worthier first post for my blog.
It was equally saddening to learn that the BBC Trust upheld the decision of the BBC, principally on the basis that they would be showing only one side of a divisive and ongoing situation. While I appreciate the need for impartiality in the BBC I would have thought that the number of dead on both sides (1300 against 13) would render the need for impartiality irrelevant. Similarly, the destruction of infrastructure in Gaza, would also highlight a humanitarian disaster, my point being that one group is undergoing a disaster which needs help and the other is not.
I am in no way condoning (and neither does the DEC Appeal) the rocket attacks on Israel, that precipitated this conflict and continued during it, but I believe that the response by Israel can only be described as disproportionate. I may address the moral and legal issues at a later date but to do so now would detract from the legitimacy of the appeal. Hopefully this will also be addressed by the international community in the days to come.
Regardless of blame, the situation in Gaza, still the main appeal by the Disasters Emergency Committee, is one that needs your help.
Take a look at the video for yourself and see whether you agree with the BBC decision or not…
The contact details on the video are still accurate and still live.
