Is This Photo of an Israeli Soldier Pointing an AK-47 at a Palestinian Girl Real or ‘Fauxtography?’
- Posted on February 3, 2012 at 6:39am by
Sharona Schwartz
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Could a photograph posted on Facebook and other social media alleging to show an Israeli soldier brutally pointing his weapon at and placing his foot on the chest of a little Palestinian girl be a fake? After some digging, it would seem so. In fact, this new case of bias against the Jewish state even has some bloggers dubbing it “fauxtography.”
Ha’aretz reports:
The photo, uploaded by a Facebook user named Wesley Muahammad, shows a uniform-clad soldier, his face out of frame, pressing a boot to the stomach of a helpless girl lying on the floor while pointing an AK-47 rifle at her face.
Soon after the picture began circling the social network, Facebook users began refuting its authenticity. Many posted the photograph again, explaining that the caption claiming the soldier was Israeli had to be false because his uniform was not that of the IDF’s, nor does the Israeli army regularly use AK-47s.
“Don’t believe everything you see on the Internet,” wrote blogger Omar Dakhane, who uploaded a wider framed version of the image, showing a crowd surrounding the soldier and the girl. “This picture was taken in Bahrain 2009 during a street theater.”
A multitude of websites have posted the photo and presented it as authentic including: Australians for Palestine, Palestinian Libra, and a boycott Israel (BDS) website
A pro-Israel blogger tracked down the original photos which show a wider shot of the scene of the street theater performance.
That blogger linked to an Israeli site Tazpit which discussed the photo in June after seeing it posted on the Facebook group called “Freedom Will come to Palestine.” The photo prompted comments condemning Israel including, “Disgusting! Hope the Israelis rot in hell!!” Tazpit wrote:
The soldier in the photo appears to be holding a Kalashnikov AK47 which is not used by the Israeli army, but used often by the Palestinian police forces and terror organizations. The IDF is known for using M16 and M4 weapons, and its uniforms are different from the soldier’s uniform that appears on the photo.
Tazpit quoted an Israeli government spokesman who said:
“Unfortunately, the use of such photos is a known method, trying to harm Israel’s image on the internet and is part of the social networks war of information”.
The use of fake photographs to score PR points in the Arab-Israeli conflict was highlighted after blogger Charles Johnson of Little Green Footballs discovered a Reuters photographer in Lebanon had used Photoshop to digitally alter two pictures during the Israel-Lebanon war of 2006. That photographer was fired and Reuters’ Middle East chief photographer was replaced.
Some pro-Israel media watchdogs coined the phenomenon of attempted media manipulation “Pallywood” combining the words “Palestinian” and “Hollywood.” An Israeli blog poking fun at the issue posted some photoshopped versions of the little girl and soldier, including this tribute to Avatar:
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Comments (133)
mcgrawactor1
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 8:43amIs anyone surprised by this photoshopped lie? When you don’t have the truth on your side, you have to lie, manipulate connive and slander!! Such cowardice is par for the course in the “Palestinian propaganda-spewing media!” It’s NOT the exception.
Report Post »Tankertony
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 9:07amDeception: the primary tool of evil.
Report Post »macabre
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 9:18amWow, aren’t you naive. Israel or as my Pastor calles it ‘Its-a-lie‘ is an abomination to our Father in Heaven and is going to get a doubledose of Judgement for it’s crimes and impersonating True Israel. Wake up my dear, you are sound asleep inside of Satan’s deception.
Report Post »D-Fence
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 9:20amAgreed, it’s also used by progressives.
Report Post »WatchingObama
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 9:41am@macabre
Report Post »You should find another church! Your pastor is deceiving you – BIG TIME!
In fact, I would be safe to say, if you pastor does not change his position, repent for his misguided teachings, he will be the one getting a doule-dose of judgement.
Genesis 12:3 says, “And I will bless those who bless you, And the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.”
Merely speaking against Israel, whom by the way is BOTH THE JEW & THE CHRISTIAN (INFORM YOURSELVES), is an act of cursing.
Be careful!
TAKE_AMERICA_BACK
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 11:12amMacabre, your pastor is as phony as the intent of the photo.
Report Post »Biddle
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 11:12amSt Paul defines Israel as children of the promise. Period. Be a friend to Israel indeed….just make sure you know who Israel is. freebie – those in Christ are Israelites, those not in Christ, are not true Isrealites. They are sons of Abraham in the flesh, however the flesh profits nothing. Dispensational teachers have twisted this for many decades, however the “veil” is being torn once again. They will say if you disagree then you are anti-semitic and that you teach “replacement theology.” However a bit of research will show that this is a complete fabrication!
Report Post »Captain Crunch
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 12:12pm@macabre
WOW..I have never heard anything like the disgusting lie you just repeated. You need to run from that pastor as fast as you can. If what you say is true, tell me who the “true” jews are. I think we would all be interested in hearing what your pastor says.
Report Post »Captain Crunch
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 12:23pm@Biddle
I think you must have the same pastor as Macabre. Since you like to talk scripture to proove your distorted point, Here is one for you. Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines….Hebrews 13:9. If you want to be a Jew, don’t try to steal their identity using out-of-context and twisted scriptures. All you have to do is go talk to a rabbi who can direct you in the proper proceedure.
Report Post »PatriotNAmerica
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 2:28pmOh I thought I had left a post here? Must have been my imagination or didn‘t say something my Jewish Apartheid didn’t condone?
Report Post »ProGun1
Posted on June 5, 2012 at 10:02amIm not, these are the same people who produce TV shows saying israelis eat Palistinian blood in their bread. Even the close angle I knew was not an Isrraeli, he had an AK, they dont use those very often in israel, its either Galils, M4s, or their new Tavor
Report Post »DD313
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 8:43amThe photo itself is real. It is the purported context which is fake. This is not surprising, considering the track record of those supporting the Palestinian cause. What is more troubling is the fact that the headline to the story itself is misleading. It reads as if this is a picture of a real Israeli soldier that has possibly been Photoshopped over the body of a child. Simply putting quotation marks around the words “Israeli soldier” would have conveyed the proper context. Do better next time, Blaze editors!
Report Post »NHABE64
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 8:27amThe media can be disgusting and lies to people the world over on a daily basis. Cockroaches all. I wish Israel would just attack Iran and get it done now. Smoke the bastards and bring peace to the MIddle East. Finally!! Iran is the worst of the worst and if it means taking the whole administration out then so be it.
Report Post »little big man
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 8:30amwasn’t real just by the AK47 in his hand. Likr the story says the IDF would never use an AK47
Report Post »goldmind
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 8:54amYour wish, should soon come true. Regretably, there will be an implosion throughout the mideast and the Red Sea will turn purple. Peace, I’m afraid, is and has always been a delusional concept. Heck, if we’re lucky, we may even see a nuclear O.K. Corral in 2012. Life is great, but death sure seems to have the momentum going on in these times. Be patient, it’s just a matter of seeing who is quicker on the draw, and whether we Americans, will be working in the rice paddies for the Chinese, or shoveling Camel manure for the jihadists.
Report Post »Artisan
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 8:25amUnbelieveable. Could you imagine if Joseph Goebbles had a facebook page and photoshop? He would’ve never left his house. I can just see Goebbles sitting in his underwear with a bowl of fruitloops pumping out anti-jewish propaganda. Look at the guys in the background smiling. Most people weren’t even looking or paying attention. Now if a guy is walking near with an AK-47 are you going to take your eye off him? This was obvioulsy staged.
Report Post »southernORcobra
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 8:15amYeah IDF doesn‘t use ak47s but moronic liberals won’t know that.
Report Post »GeoInSD
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 8:43amMy nickname for the AK47 is “Commie Gun”. (A play on “Tommy Gun”.)
Many have noticed that haters of the United States tend to be armed with the AK47. Our friends tend to use the M16/M4 or NATO rifles.
Report Post »robstoddard
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 8:14amOh, I remember the days when Israeli troops carried AK47s…. wait… no I don’t, cause it never happened. If it was a Galil, it’d be more believable, but I still wouldn’t fall for it.
Report Post »stage9
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 8:13amTerrorists and liberals often attend the same schools of propaganda.
Report Post »kitcarker
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 8:12amThey don’t use ak-47′s in Israel.their is no way this is real
Report Post »Mrtoohappy
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 8:08amIn the full framed picture look at the look close at the gun it has a foot coming out of it. Then in the other picture they removed it. Sorry people that have to fake lies.
Report Post »SoupSandwich
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 8:00amThe weapon looks more like a VZ 58 than an AK, which has been used world wide as the Czechs make good stuff.
Report Post »Twobyfour
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 9:23pmHard to tell. It looks vaguely like VZ 58, but it may as well be a toy gun. The “soldier” may be just an actor and no soldier at all. Bahrain military does not use neither AK 47, nor VZ 58, so I’d go with a toy replica of either.
Report Post »budzy1911
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 7:54amThe gun and uniform are wrong – easy give-away – but I would expect anything less from the Palestinian people.
The only problem is I am sure our State Department and Obama fell for this photo.
Report Post »The American People
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 7:40amOh those adorable palestinians and their filthy Terrorist Aid.
Report Post »The American People
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 7:42amWe were never able to properly thank them for all the Anti Jewish, anti American help they have given all of our worst enemies.
Report Post »The American People
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 7:38amFake, don’t be idiots people. Keep yourselves awake and looking for FACTS not theatrics or photoshop or setups. Moving on…………..
Report Post »txbigfoot
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 7:40amthey dont use ak’s… first clue. omg.
Report Post »termase
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 7:52amTo bad you are a fake.
Report Post »ShamanWorld
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 7:22amYou people are so blind. Weapons of Mass Destruction in Iraq- Fake! 2008-2011Stimulus for our economy-Fake!!! Barack Obama- Fake!!! Mitt Romney- Fake!!!! George W. Bush saying “There is a shadow government within our government”- Real!!!
Report Post »termase
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 7:25am@ShamanWorld ShamanWorld = FAKE
Report Post »Baddoggy
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 7:36amTell me…Do you use Heavy Duty Reynolds Wrap for your tin foil hat, or the cheap generic brand? Inquiring minds want to know..
Report Post »00gabooga
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 8:41amHow many Ron Paul bumper stickers are on your car?
Report Post »Pearsontech
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 9:00am@Shamanworld WMD in Iraq REAL. Sorry but I believe what men and women that I personally know in the military that were there have told me before I believe any damn thing that the media or the government says. That’s all I have to say about that.
Report Post »momrules
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 7:16amEven Palestinian street theater is violent.
We should all be cautious about believing that every picture we see is real and not faked.
Report Post »termase
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 7:10amI posted to 2 of the sites with these comments. Figures the RACISTS of the middle East would do this to the Israelis.
You do realize that your above photo is NOT of a Israel soldier but of a Palestinian in a day show. Why does the picture NOT show the persons face? Because it is covered by a head scarf. Why is the Israeli soldier holding a AK-47? Israeli Soldiers do NOT use AK’s but M-4′s and M-16′s.
I bet any money that once I post the TRUTH, you will remove my post.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/is-this-photo-of-an-israeli-soldier-pointing-an-ak-47-at-a-palestinian-girl-real-or-fauxtography/
Report Post »LouC57
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 7:08amNothing is what it seems these days…
I’m getting terribly depressed…
Report Post »Baddoggy
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 7:04amA Muslim would lie? NO! Say it ain’t so!
Report Post »Sarcasm off…
Painter Guy
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 7:02amO my gosh!!! The Na‘vi actually exist AND they’re Zionist pigs!!!
Report Post »ShamanWorld
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 7:02amThe Blaze will investigate this being a fake more than they will 9/11…Even though 9/11 happened on our home soil!!!
Report Post »Painter Guy
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 7:11amOh brother…. one of those…
Report Post »drago
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 7:32am@Painter Guy.
Report Post »shamanworld is encinom, what do you expect.Now encinom, take shamanworldand go back to playing world of warcraft…..
Toxic Pirate
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 7:47amYour an idiot get back over to CNN where you belong
Report Post »Blackw0lf
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 8:51am@ drago
Report Post »At least World of Warcraft has a story line. This is more like chicken little and the sky is falling. This is just a crazy rant!
@ShamanWorld FOR THE LOVE OF GOD MAN!! Quote” The Blaze and others is fake because they OMIT news stories and relevant information on issues just to get reaction out of readers.” WHAT STORIES!!! you coming on here and making blind comments saying this is not reporting that WITHOUT examples is just as dishonest to all who have to read this, as this anti Israeli propaganda photo is to all who have seen it, which leaves me to believe maybe you do need to upgrade to the heavy duty aluminum foil !!!!!!
ShamanWorld
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 7:00amCould be a fake. My question is, with all of the “fake” reporting that “The Blaze”, Fox,MSNBC and all other mainstream(big money) news outlets, who know who is telling the truth. I say The Blaze and others is fake because they OMIT news stories and relevant information on issues just to get reaction out of readers. There is a carefully selected news feed here that covers maybe 25 percent of the issues that really matter.
Report Post »termase
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 7:15am@ShamanWorld
Report Post »What the heck are you smoking? Sounds like you are a RACIST towards the Israelis.
The picture does not show the whole scene. Once you look at the whole picture, you will see that the so-called Israeli soldier is NOT a Israeli soldier. The Israeli Army does NOT use AK-47. Why are there children standing around? Because it is a day show. Always quick to blame the Israelis for the fault of others.
Recceman90
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 7:26amOh know a mooselim might be offended here! You wouldn’t know truth, but one day you will…..when Jesus returns and all you mooselims are burning.
Report Post »Biddle
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 11:05am“It was the year 1966, when Selassie I made a visit.”
Report Post »ChiefGeorge
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 11:48amReally Shaman? Its clear now!
Report Post »AvengerK
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 4:36pm“Could be”? The IDF doesn’t use AK 47 styled weapons. The uniform is not an IDF uniform. It’s a staged photo designed to incite hatred against Jews and Israel. Where are you getting “could be” from? It’s most definitely, 100% faked.
Report Post »RJJinGadsden
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 7:00amThe first thing that I spotted was the uniform. Does not even look like an Israeli uni. I call a faked set up.
Report Post »termase
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 7:16amYup, Yup, Yup!!!
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 7:59amLook at the people in the crowd, when have you ever seen Palestinians so peaceful in the presence of an Israeli soldier?
Report Post »RagingJudge
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 11:49amYeah, I’d sure hope the Israelis have the decency to TUCK THEIR GORRAM BOOT LACES IN!
Drives me nuts when people leave em hangin.
Report Post »MonkeyBeagle
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 6:57amYeah def. a fake. The left dont think like us because there followers are so easy to fool… I mean look at the average Obama supporter http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxetMVBFivg If you were surrounded by people like that you would begin to think Its to easy to trick these folks. ha ha.
Report Post »loriann12
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 7:09amI’ve said it before, they don’t want their free stuff taken away by republicans. I had an interesting conversation in Walmart the other day. They guy in line ahead of me was a white guy with a Nascar jacket, about late 50′s. He spoke to the man the next isle over, a black man about the same age in a motorized wheel chair, and he came over to help him load his groceries. The cashier was a black woman. The conversation started out about how expensive food has gotten in the last year or so, and both men agreed that Obama couldn’t mess things up much more than he already has, and should be given another 4 years to try to correct it. When they were gone, the cashier told me she couldn’t believe that. She said Obama has made a mess of things and she would NEVER vote for another 4 years of him. She ended by saying it‘s in the Lord’s hands. So, as a black woman, she was 1) EMPLOYED so not getting handouts and 2) a Christian. There is hope.
Report Post »Laus Deo
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 6:56amThe lies about Israel never cease to astound.. Truly awe-inspiring.
Report Post »democritusoilder267
Posted on February 3, 2012 at 6:54amAs I sit here reading this article. It dawns on me that most of these Islamic Arab countries in the Middle East are built of fear and image. The latter being used to create a boogieman with Israel. I understand a lot about Islam and the history of the Arab countries in the Middle East; Please do not think I’m bias or just some common conservative who supports Israel. I just cannot defend these people anymore. Many of these people are really living in barbaric countries. It’s sad to see this but it is true.
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