NBC Skimps on West Bank Luxury Hotels
What is it with some journalists and their exaggerated reports of Palestinian deprivation?
In 2008, Ha’aretz Gideon Levy falsely claimed that there is just one swimming pool for Palestinians in all of the West Bank. In fact, there is at least one pool in every city, and Ramallah has at least 10.
In 2009, Noam Ben-Zeev of Ha’aretz wrongly claimed there was not open movie theater in Nablus. In fact, there was the then-brand new Cinema City, with 175 seats.
More recently, last month Carol J. Williams falsely wrote in the Los Angeles Times that “locally made olive oil has disappeared,” and that Gaza residents are also deprived of semolina and tehina. In reality, Palestinian statistics show that the number of local olive presses have increased over the last few years, as have their output, and that consumption of tehina and semolina is steady.
West Bank luxury hotels are the latest item to take a hit — but only in the minds of misinformed NBC reporters. Covering a Palestinian reality TV show, called “The President,” NBC claims that there is just one luxury hotel in the West Bank.
Lawahez Jabari, Ranna Khalil and Dave Copeland, the authors of the May 6 piece, did not do their homework.
According to Travel Palestine, which bills itself as “The Official Site for Tourism in Palestine,” there are three five-star hotels in the West Bank: the Mövenpick Hotel in Ramallah, the Intercontinental in Jericho, and Bethlehem Jacir Palace.
The Moevenpick Hotel in Ramallah, a five-star establishment
The five-star Jacir Palace Intercontinental Bethlehem
The luxury Intercontinental Jericho
And the Grand Park Hotel in Ramallah (see below) looks quite upscale. According to Booking.com, it is five stars as well.
May 21 Update: 1/4 Star NBC Correction on 5 Star West Bank Hotels
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