French journalist fired for antisemitic tweets

A French journalist has been fired from a news outlet following alleged antisemitic social media posts.

Geneva-based reporter Dina Abi-Saab was reportedly fired from France 24, a French state-owned network that broadcasts in French, English, Arabic and Spanish, after her history of antisemitic tweets and messages was revealed.

The posts were first found by the media watchdog, CAMERA.

It is reported that she also refused to sign the company’s ethics charter, which apparently contributed to the termination of her employment.

Ms. Abi-Saab tweeted that “The influx of Western Jews” is the cause of conflict in the Middle East, and referred to the State of Israel as “occupied Palestine”, which is tantamount to refusing to recognise, and therefore endorse the existence of, a Jewish state.

According to the International Definition of Antisemitism, “Denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination” is an example of antisemitism.

Ms. Abi-Saab’s inflammatory tweets also included celebrations at rockets being fired at Israel from Gaza and declaring Omar Abu Laila, a terrorist who fatally stabbed IDF Sgt. Gal Keidan and wounded two others, a martyr.

She also allegedly drew comparisons between Israeli bombing of terrorist targets in Gaza and the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Centre.

This is the second instance in four months of France 24 firing reporters due in connection with alleged antisemitism views.

Joelle Maroun, the channel’s Beirut correspondent, was dismissed in March after a collection of her tweets was exposed. Ms Maroun is claimed to have tweeted: “They asked Hitler, ‘What did you do with the Jews?’ He said, ‘Nothing extraordinary, [just having] barbecue with the guys.” On another occasion, she allegedly tweeted, “Rise, sir Hitler, rise, there are a few people that need to be burned.”

Two other journalists at France 24, Laila Odeh and Sharif Bibi, were also investigated, however they reportedly remain at the news station. Both Ms Odeh and Mr Bibi signed the ethics charter which Ms Abi-Saab declined to sign. 

According to a report published by the French Jewish Community Security Service, antisemitic incidents in France have skyrocketed. 

Campaign Against Antisemitism reports on news and incidents relating to antisemitism in France and throughout Europe.