Steimatzky has decided to cancel the planned launch of the Charlie Hebdo magazine in its stores. Yisrael Beitenu party leader Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman calls on his supporters to buy thousands of copies. Lieberman insists the magazine sales must continue as planned to send a clear message to radical Islam as he told supporters “We won’t permit radical Islam to intimidate us and we will not permit Israel to become an ISIS state”. Lieberman hopes to distribute as many copies as possible.
According to Israel Radio, Steimatzky backed down from a planned promotional launching, offering the magazine via its website only. Company officials told the media there have been no threats but it was decided to sell the magazine on the website to make it available to persons who live far from Tel Aviv.
Ynet quoted Arab MK Masud Ganaim as warning Steimatzky and Prime Minister Netanyahu that selling the cartoon issue depicting the prophet Mohammed could have grave consequences in Israel. Ganaim was quoted saying “This is a blow to the holy of holies for Muslims that will result in anger among the Muslims and Arabs in the country”. Ganaim last week sent a letter to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu calling on him to intervene to prevent the sale of the magazine. “The Government of Israel and Steimatzky will be responsible for the outcome” the Arab MK wrote in his letter.
The issue being sold in Israel is the commemorative issue, the one printed following the fatal attack in France. The cover portrays Mohammed on the cover, which many Muslims find offensive.
Steimatzky is limiting sales to two copies per person due to the limited supply.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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One Response
There should be more words for “Jewish”, because none of us want to be associated with this, this is opposite of Jewish.
This incident should be investigated by intel, I would be suspicious of foul play by our “allies”. Specifically where was he and what was he doing when this epiphany occurred to him?
Stability is depicted as Lieberman’s weakness in media.