Does the media coverage advance or hinder the peace process? How impartial is the media? Does the Israeli military impact the coverage? Can the media be an instrument for dialogue in the peace process?

Mohammed Al Shinnawi
Mohamed ElShinnawi, Correspondent, Voice of America

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Rev. Canon Drew Christiansen, S.J., Editor-in-Chief, America Magazine, HCEF Co Founder and Advisory Board

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Ronit Avni, Executive Director, Just Vision

Three distinguished, long-time observers of the Middle East from film, print, and radio/TV media will debate these issues. They will examine how the media can be a strong positive or negative force in advancing the prospects for reconciliation and peace in the Holy Land. They will discuss how Israeli occupation policies restrict journalists’ access to timely coverage of the events and lead to subtle forms of censorship. The critical duty of media for accuracy of coverage and analysis of the events will be examined.

Participating in the panel will be: Ronit Avni, internationally acclaimed producer and director of documentary films; Fr. Drew Christianson, S.J., author and educator, editor-in-chief of America Magazine; and Mohamed Elshinnawi, veteran radio/TV journalist of Voice of America. The panel will be moderated by Dr. Saliba Sarsar, Associate Vice-President, Monmouth University, NJ.

The panel will discuss these issues during the 11th HCEF International Conference co-hosted by and held at the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center in Washington, DC on Saturday, October 24, 2009.