Reporting Truth Under Fire

In collaboration with Zionism Victoria and the Zionist Federation of Australia

This week, Zionism Victoria, together with the Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA), had the privilege of hosting a Boardroom Lunch with journalists Yoni Bashan and Liam Mendes from The Australian. In an intimate setting, community leaders, friends of our community and business leaders engaged in a candid and wide-ranging discussion about media, Israel, and the challenges of reporting truthfully in a turbulent world.

Yoni and Liam spoke with honesty and depth about their recent reporting from Israel, including their experiences on the ground during times of heightened conflict. They shared the complexities of covering war and terror, the responsibility of journalists in countering misinformation, and the pressures of ensuring balance and accuracy in a rapidly evolving media landscape. Both offered valuable reflections on how Australian audiences consume news about Israel and the Middle East, and how those narratives can shape public perception.

For those present, the lunch was more than a behind-the-scenes look at the work of two accomplished reporters, it was a chance to better understand the realities of modern journalism and the way stories about Israel are told in Australia. The conversation highlighted the importance of ensuring Israel’s multifaceted story is heard in the public sphere, beyond headlines and soundbites.

We thank Yoni and Liam for their generosity of time and insight, and for their commitment to thoughtful, fact-based reporting. Their perspectives left participants better informed, and reminded us of the essential role the media plays in times of conflict and uncertainty.