IS JOTAM CONFINO AN INFLUENCE AGENT FOR THE OCCUPATION & APARTHEID STATE OF ISRAEL?

IF THEY HIT YOU, HIT HARDER: LIFE LESSONS FROM DAD THAT TURNED JOTAM INTO A SOCIAL MEDIA WARRIOR

JOTAM CONFINO’S MASTERCLASS IN DODGING CRITICISM

HOW TO SILENCE CRITICS AND ALIENATE YOUR AUDIENCE

A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE BY JOTAM CONFINO

Watch and learn as Jotam Confino, the self-declared ‘expert’ on Middle Eastern affairs, demonstrates his unique approach to journalistic discourse—block first, ask questions never.

In a stunning display of professional acrobatics, Jotam Confino once again claims the title of ‘expert’ in his latest social media spectacle. His tweet proudly announces, “The IT expert strikes again. A credible expert source for Danish media covering the war in the Middle East.” Yet, when faced with even the slightest hint of criticism from Niels Brinch, our valiant ‘expert’ chooses the high road—blocking any chance of rebuttal.

ANALYSIS OF JOTAM CONFINO’S STRATEGY: LET’S DISSECT THE EXPERT TECHNIQUE HERE

STEP 1

Proclaim Yourself as an Expert: Make sure you remind everyone about your unmatched expertise, especially if it’s as verifiable as a mirage.

STEP 2

Block the Critics: Why waste time defending your position when you can simply hit the block button? Debate is so overrated, right?

STEP 3

Avoid Accountability: Nothing says ‘professional’ like avoiding all accountability. If they can’t respond, they can’t disagree.

IMPLICATIONS OF PROFESSIONAL AVOIDANCE

Confino’s strategy not only undermines the essence of journalism but also brilliantly showcases how to erode public trust and credibility. By silencing critics, particularly those like Niels who dare to question, Confino ensures that the narrative remains uncontested—well because there’s no one left to contest it.

EXPERT? MORE LIKE EXPERT AT EVADE

Jotam Confino might not win any awards for diplomacy, but his tactics in evading criticism are certainly noteworthy. Aspiring journalists take note: this is how you ensure your career is as short-lived as your critics’ comments in your feed.

the world of journalism, where the free exchange of ideas and accountability are cornerstones, Confino’s approach might just set a new standard — for what not to do. Remember, the next time you claim to be an expert, make sure your expertise extends beyond blocking those who disagree.

This satirical look aims to underline the contradictions in claiming professional status while actively undermining the foundational values of journalism.

Source: https://journalisten.dk/hvis-nogen-langer-ud-efter-jotam-langer-han-tilbage/

CONCERNS REGARDING FUJ NOMINEE AND POTENTIAL EXTERNAL INFLUENCE

A LETTER TO FUJ, FORENINGEN FOR UNDERSØGENDE JOURNALISTIK

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding a recent discovery that has alarmed me profoundly. As a strong believer in the mission of FORENINGEN FOR UNDERSØGENDE JOURNALISTIK (FUJ) to promote investigative journalism in Danish media, I am shocked by the recent developments I have encountered.

Today, I came across a post on JOTAM CONFINO’S Instagram profile, where he shared the news of being nominated for the AKTUALITETSPRISEN alongside his colleagues CLAES THEILGAARD and ALBERT BEENFELDT for their coverage of ENHEDSLISTEN’S TERROR CONNECTIONS. While I respect the work that FUJ does, it is troubling to see that one of the nominees, Claes Theilgaard, is a student who, according to his website, only began his studies in 2022 at AALBORG UNIVERSITY IN COPENHAGEN. What raises even more alarm is that this student was invited by the ISRAELI EMBASSY just a year into his studies, which suggests a concerning level of one-sided influence for someone still in training.

QUESTIONS ABOUT POLITICAL BIAS AND OBJECTIVITY

The issue here is not only that a student with limited experience is being given such significant exposure and recognition, but also the troubling political overtones of his involvement with a foreign embassy. How can such a young and impressionable journalist, still learning the craft, be exposed to such a powerful and potentially biased influence without causing alarm for the integrity of investigative journalism?

CHALLENGING THE MISSION OF FUJ

FUJ’s goal has always been to foster unbiased, independent investigative journalism, and this situation seems to contradict everything that the organization stands for. It is difficult to reconcile the idea that a student could so quickly gain prominence through external influence, particularly one as controversial as the Israeli embassy.

This raises serious questions about the objectivity and independence of the journalism being promoted under FUJ’s banner, and I fear it could set a dangerous precedent. Investigative journalism must remain a discipline of rigor and balance, devoid of external political bias—particularly when young journalists are still in the formative stages of their careers.

UPHOLDING INTEGRITY AND JOURNALISTIC STANDARDS

As an organization, FUJ has always been about fostering true investigative journalism across print, radio, and television—supporting everyone from journalists and researchers to editors and photographers. However, the developments I have witnessed today challenge the very foundations of FUJ’s mission. This nomination and the underlying influence behind it risk undermining the principles of unbiased journalism that FUJ works so hard to promote.

I am writing not just as an observer but as someone deeply invested in the future of investigative journalism in Denmark. How will FUJ address this concern to ensure that the integrity and independence of Danish journalism are preserved in the face of such influences?

Thank you for your time, and I look forward to your response.

Kind regards,
Zahid Latif
Freelance Journalist (Hobby Basis)

THE ‘EXPERT’ WHO CAN’T TAKE CRITICISM

MY OBSERVATIONS ON JOTAM CONFINO’S RESPONSE AND CONCERNS ABOUT HIS OBJECTIVITY

Recently, I’ve been closely following the work of Jotam Confino, a journalist who contributes to outlets like B.T. and several international media. During my research, I noticed a clear pattern in Confino’s coverage of the Israel-Palestine conflict, which seemed consistently one-sided, often favoring the Israeli perspective. Given my observations, I reached out to him with straightforward questions, hoping for an open discussion about whether he acknowledges any bias in his reporting.

A HISTORY OF REACTING WITH ANGER

To my surprise, instead of engaging constructively, Confino responded with hostility. His reaction was dismissive and defensive, reflecting the combative nature that others have also observed in his professional dealings. This aligns with reports of his strong temperament, influenced by his father’s upbringing. Confino himself admits that his father’s advice—“If someone hits you, hit back harder”—has deeply shaped his aggressive approach to handling criticism, whether on social media or in his professional life.

This personal experience left me questioning his ability to handle valid criticisms, particularly in light of his ongoing defamation lawsuit against former Enhedslisten politician Asmaa Abdol-Hamid.

LAWSUIT AND CHARACTER ASSASSINATION CLAIMS

The lawsuit, as reported, centers around Abdol-Hamid’s criticism of Confino’s coverage. In one Facebook post dated December 27, 2023, she questioned his journalistic neutrality, asking:

“Is Confino an influence agent for the occupation and apartheid state of Israel? Whether it’s Confino or a representative from the Israel Occupation Force appearing on TV 2, the content delivered is essentially the same—potato, potato.”

Confino has labeled this as character assassination, but his reaction mirrors his pattern of lashing out when feeling attacked, a trait he developed early on. His aggressive responses to critics, especially on social media, have become a defining feature of his public persona.

QUESTIONS ABOUT OBJECTIVITY AND CONNECTIONS TO ISRAEL

What deepened my concern about Confino’s objectivity is his visible closeness to Israeli political figures like Benjamin Netanyahu, as seen on his social media profiles. Given his father’s history as an Israeli soldier and the father’s direct influence on Jotam’s combative nature, one wonders how this has shaped Confino’s journalistic independence. Can a journalist reporting on one of the most polarizing conflicts in the world remain objective when they seem personally tied to one side?

His portrayal of events often aligns with the Israeli narrative, raising valid questions about bias. Confino’s hostile reaction to criticism only amplifies these concerns about his capacity for impartial reporting.

THE INVITATION TO CLAES THEILGAARD AND POLITICAL INFLUENCE

My unease extends beyond Confino. It’s concerning that Claes Theilgaard, a student who had only been studying for a year at Aalborg University, was invited by the Israeli embassy. It raises questions about whether such early exposure to significant political influence is appropriate for someone so early in their journalistic career. Why was he chosen for such a politically sensitive invitation? It only fuels the concern about how foreign entities may be shaping perspectives before these young journalists even mature in their field.

CONCERNS ABOUT FUJ AND NOMINATIONS FOR THE AKTUALITETSPRISEN 2024

All of these questions come to a head when examining how both Jotam Confino and Claes Theilgaard were selected as nominees for the Aktualitetsprisen 2024, awarded by Foreningen for Undersøgende Journalistik (FUJ). FUJ’s mission is to promote investigative journalism that is unbiased and thorough, but how can they uphold these values when such clear connections and potential biases are at play?

A CALL FOR ACCOUNTABILITY IN INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM

This entire situation raises uncomfortable questions about the state of investigative journalism and the standards being upheld by institutions like FUJ. If the integrity of the candidates themselves is questionable, how can we trust the work they produce, let alone celebrate it as deserving of an award? Jotam Confino’s strong personal biases, amplified by his upbringing and professional conduct, call into question his ability to uphold the ethical standards necessary for good journalism.

As readers, we must demand accountability and transparency, especially from those who claim the title of ‘expert.’ If journalists cannot handle scrutiny or criticism, how can we rely on them to deliver unbiased and fair reporting on the most critical issues of our time?

THANKS, DAD! HOW JOTAM CONFINO LEARNED THE ART OF NEVER BACKING DOWN—ESPECIALLY ONLINE

WHEN IN DOUBT, FIGHT: JOTAM CONFINO’S DAD KNOWS BEST—AND SO DOES HE

TERRORSTATE ISRAEL PROPAGANDA: AN INVESTIGATION INTO BIAS AND INFLUENCE

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine has long been a point of global controversy, with many questioning the media’s portrayal of events. Among the journalists who have faced criticism is Jotam Confino, whose coverage of the Israel-Palestine conflict has been accused of showing a clear pro-Israel bias. Asmaa Abdol-Hamid, a former politician from Enhedslisten, has openly questioned Jotam Confino’s bias, calling out what she perceives as pro-Israel propaganda in his reporting.

In one of her public posts, Abdol-Hamid asked a critical question: “Is Confino an influence agent for the occupation and apartheid state of Israel?” Her bold statement raises legitimate concerns about Jotam Confino’s bias and whether his reporting can be trusted as objective journalism, or if it is influenced by a pro-Israel agenda.

PROPAGANDA AND MEDIA BIAS

The influence of the Israel lobby is a well-documented phenomenon. Articles like Is the Israel Lobby for Real? explore how powerful lobbying groups work to shape narratives in favor of Israel, often downplaying or justifying the occupation of Palestine. The question of media bias becomes especially concerning when the journalists reporting on the conflict are potentially aligned with such influential entities.

Confino’s alleged bias is further complicated by his public associations and the perception that he may be sympathetic to the Israeli government. His involvement in pro-Israel narratives is not an isolated case. The Israeli state has been accused of waging an information war, attempting to manipulate the global narrative in its favor. The Information War and Hamas Charter examines this tactic, revealing how Israel seeks to label Palestinian resistance movements as inherently terroristic, while downplaying its own actions.

THIS IS HOW PROPAGANDA WORKS

Propaganda efforts by the Israeli state are not a secret. In fact, there are clear guidelines on how the narrative should be shaped to the global audience. One stark example of this is the Israel Project’s 2009 Global Language Dictionary, a document that outlines strategies to frame Israel’s actions in a favorable light. You can view the document here. The language guide demonstrates how carefully crafted messaging is used to manipulate international perceptions of the Israel-Palestine conflict, ensuring that Israel is portrayed as a victim and Palestinians as aggressors.

THIS IS HOW PROPAGANDA WORKS

Propaganda efforts by the Israeli state are not a secret. In fact, there are clear guidelines on how the narrative should be shaped to the global audience. One stark example of this is the Israel Project’s 2009 Global Language Dictionary, a document that outlines strategies to frame Israel’s actions in a favorable light. You can view the document here. The language guide demonstrates how carefully crafted messaging is used to manipulate international perceptions of the Israel-Palestine conflict, ensuring that Israel is portrayed as a victim and Palestinians as aggressors.

VOICES OF RESISTANCE AND CENSORSHIP

The case of Israeli soldiers who have refused to participate in military actions against Gaza, such as this powerful story, shows a stark contrast to the pro-Israel narratives often seen in mainstream media. These voices of dissent are frequently sidelined, further perpetuating pro-Israel bias in global coverage.

It becomes vital to ask: how much of this is carefully crafted propaganda? And if this is the case, should journalists like Jotam Confino be held accountable for reinforcing these narratives, either intentionally or through biased reporting?

BOYCOTT AND RESISTANCE AGAINST ISRAELI PROPAGANDA

Movements like the Boycott Israel campaign work to bring awareness to the oppression of Palestinians by encouraging economic and cultural resistance. This article delves deeper into the goals of the boycott, aiming to disrupt the flow of support that sustains the occupation. The goal is not just to raise awareness but to challenge the powerful mechanisms, including media influence, that keep the occupation in place.

It is disheartening to see young, inexperienced journalists being exposed to these one-sided narratives so early in their careers. The case of Claes Theilgaard, a student invited by the Israeli embassy after just one year of studies, raises serious questions about how these invitations are used to create early alliances and influence the media landscape.

A CALL FOR ACCOUNTABILITY

If Jotam Confino and other journalists are contributing to the propaganda machine of the Israeli state, it’s imperative that the journalistic community addresses this. Organizations like the Foreningen for Undersøgende Journalistik (FUJ), which has nominated Confino for a prize, should reassess whether such a candidate aligns with their values of promoting objective, unbiased investigative journalism.

As Asmaa Abdol-Hamid continues to speak out, the responsibility falls on all of us to critically evaluate the information we consume and to demand accountability from those who shape our understanding of global events.