Naturally and justifiably, the discourse surrounding bereavement, and certainly the discussion around the supposed differences that exist in the media treatment of families who have sacrificed their most precious of all, are among the most explosive topics in public debate.
Dangerous walking in a minefield.
But this week we got another example that there is a conduct worth discussing about the stage given to bereaved families.
There is much talk about Ayala Hasson's investigation, which shows that an organization linked to the RAM is allegedly transferring money to the Gaza Strip and liaising with senior Hamas figures. Hajaj, who was killed in a terrorist attack in Jerusalem, the father of the fighter Ron Kukiya who was killed in an attack in Arad and the mother of Danny Gonen who was killed in a terrorist attack in Benjamin.
The publication of the investigation, and the campaign that accompanied it on behalf of the "Voters in Life" forum, received very partial resonance and follow-up, which included quite a few questions about the timing of the publication and the forum's ties with the Likud, and this is not the first time. In the years that the forum has been in operation, its members are forced to "chase" the media at best, and receive suspicious treatment that includes accusations made by stakeholders and partners in spinning at worst. In some cases, the families also suffered disparaging treatment, which received random and sparse coverage. This was the case when Supreme Court President Miriam Naor scolded Danny Gonen's mother and claimed in her face during a hearing that "there is a limit to what a bereaved person can say here." In another incident, MK Ahmad Tibi marked a "victory" for the forum's families, which received a drowsy media yawn and even accusations against the families that cursed Tibi, including the broadcasting corporation - which later apologized for the accusation.
The forum itself acknowledges the problem, but refuses to get excited.
"We have decided that we are not state-owned, not looking to be cared for but looking to make a change," said Meirav Hajaj, the mother of Captain Shir Hajaj, adding: "We also have tremendous support from leftists who are troubled by our exposures, I prefer to belittle us and what we say. "
So why does this phenomenon occur?
The truth is that the answer has no meaning.
Bereavement is sacred, and those who bear it have sacrificed the ultimate sacrifice for life in this land.
If it is not a call for violence, slander or harm to another person - bereaved families have the right to express their pain and act in any way that seems right to them at the public level.
This is true for a family that demonstrates against Netanyahu and receives shameful calls from right-wingers, it is true for the "Choose Life" forum, and it is true even for families organizing an alternative memorial day.
But this is also true in relation to families coming from the “wrong” side, who make noises that are jarring to a significant portion of those sitting in the studios.
Selective coverage and treatment, as some bereaved families enjoy, causes the only thing worse than the bereavement itself - and that is its politicization.
It is imperative that this politicization ceases.