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Who needs Ban Ki-Moon or the United Nations to slam Israel for as long as there is the IDF-funded Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) and veteran host Razi Barkai. All too often the shouts to shut down the leftist liberal and at times anti-Israel station, but event today, during a period the IDF is cutting services drastically, funding for the station continues.

In the latest Galei Tzahal scandal, veteran host Razi Barkai compared the efforts of bereaved Israeli families who are trying to retrieve the bodies of their loved ones for burial to the efforts of Arab families seeking the return of the bodies of slain terrorists.

His words sparked an outcry, albeit a pained one, particularly among the families of soldiers such as Lt. Hadar Goldin HY”D and Sgt. Oron Shaul HY”d, who bodies are in Hamas’ hands since Operation Protective Edge as they were killed in Rafiach area fighting.

Barkai, who is now facing suspension for his unacceptable remarks, made his statements on Sunday, 28 Shevat, during an interview with Minister of Public Security Gilad Erdan.

Barkai raised the matter of the recent meeting between a number of Arab Members of Knesset, who met with families of Arab terrorists in a showing of support and solidarity, observing a minute of silence for the slain terrorists.

Barkai questioned can you imagine a similar situation regarding the families of Operation Protective Edge, who are waiting for the return of their loved ones. Erdan was quick to question the tasteless comparison.

The families of Goldin and Shaul sent a letter to Yaron Dekel who runs Galei Tzahal as well as to Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon, demanding Barkai’s suspension. They expressed their outrage over his callus remarks.

Galei Tzahal Army said in a statement, “There was no comparison between IDF soldiers and terrorists. We apologize if Barkai’s question was misunderstood.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)