Haaretz facts for kids
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| Type | Daily newspaper |
|---|---|
| Format | Berliner |
| Owner(s) | Schocken family (75%) Leonid Nevzlin (25%) |
| Publisher | Amos Schocken, M. DuMont Schauberg |
| Founded | 1919 |
| Political alignment | Centre-left to left-wing Liberalism Progressivism |
| Language | Hebrew, English |
| Headquarters | Global HQ: Tel Aviv, Israel North American HQ: New York City |
| Circulation | 72,000 (weekends: 100,000) |
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Haaretz (which means "The Land [of Israel]" in Hebrew) is a well-known newspaper from Israel. It started in 1918, making it the oldest newspaper still printed in Israel today. You can read it in both Hebrew and English.
The newspaper is printed in a special size called "Berliner" format. The English version is often sold with The New York Times International Edition. Both the Hebrew and English versions are also available online. In North America, Haaretz is published once a week.
Haaretz is known as Israel's "newspaper of record." This means it's a very important newspaper that keeps a detailed record of events. It is also known for its left-leaning and liberal views on issues in Israel and around the world.
As of 2022, Haaretz has the third-largest number of readers in Israel. Many people outside Israel read it, especially the English edition. Experts like the Center for Research Libraries say Haaretz is "the most influential and respected" Israeli daily newspaper. This is true for both its news stories and its opinions.
Contents
History and Ownership
Haaretz first came out in 1918. At that time, the British military government in Palestine supported it. In 1919, a group of Zionists (people who supported a Jewish homeland), mostly from Russia, took it over.
The newspaper was officially started on June 18, 1919. It was founded by businessmen, including Isaac Leib Goldberg. Its first name was Hadashot Ha'aretz, meaning "News of the Land." Later, the name was shortened to Haaretz. Many famous Hebrew writers of that time wrote for its literature section.
Early Years and Location
The newspaper first started in Jerusalem. From 1919 to 1922, different editors led the paper. It even closed for a short time because it ran out of money.
In 1923, Haaretz reopened in Tel Aviv. Moshe Glickson became the editor and stayed for 15 years. The city of Tel Aviv helped the newspaper financially by paying for future advertisements in advance.
Political Views Over Time
In the 1920s and 1930s, Haaretz had a liberal viewpoint. It was linked to a group called the General Zionist "A" faction. This group later helped create the Progressive Party in Israel. However, the newspaper was careful not to support any single political party too strongly. It was seen as the most advanced daily newspaper in the Yishuv (the Jewish community in Palestine before Israel was founded).
Schocken Family Ownership
Salman Schocken, a Jewish businessman, bought the newspaper in December 1935. He had left Germany in 1934 after the Nazis came to power. Schocken was part of a group called Brit Shalom. This group supported Jews and Arabs living together peacefully.
His son, Gershom Schocken, became the main editor in 1939. He stayed in that important role until he passed away in 1990. The Schocken family owned all of the Haaretz Group for a long time.
New Owners and Changes
In August 2006, the Schocken family sold 25% of the company. They sold it to a German publisher named M. DuMont Schauberg. This deal caused some debate in Israel. This was because the German publisher's father had been part of the Nazi Party.
In June 2011, a Russian-Israeli businessman, Leonid Nevzlin, bought a 20% share. He bought 15% from the Schocken family and 5% from M. DuMont Schauberg. In December 2019, the Schocken family bought back all the shares from M. DuMont Schauberg. This made the Schocken family own 75% of Haaretz, with Leonid Nevzlin owning the remaining 25%.
In October 2012, there was a strike by the newspaper's workers. They were protesting planned job cuts. This caused the newspaper to not be printed for one day. It was the first time since 1965 that Haaretz didn't go to print because of a strike.
Management
The newspaper's main editorial direction was set by Gershom Schocken. He was the editor-in-chief for a very long time, from 1939 to 1990. After him, several other people took on the role of editor-in-chief.
The current editor-in-chief of Haaretz is Aluf Benn. He took over in August 2011. Charlotte Halle became the editor of the English print edition in February 2008.
Editorial Policy and Viewpoints
Haaretz says it has a "broadly liberal outlook." This means it supports liberal ideas on issues within Israel and in international affairs. People often describe it as "liberal on security, civil rights and economy." It also supports the Supreme Court and is critical of some government actions.
Other people describe Haaretz as liberal, centre-left, or left-wing. It is often seen as Israel's only major left-leaning newspaper. The paper does not support Israel keeping control over the Palestinian territories. It always supports efforts to achieve peace.
Supporting Weaker Groups
The editorial line of Haaretz supports groups that might be weaker in Israeli society. This includes foreign workers, Israeli Arabs, Ethiopian immigrants, and Russian immigrants.
In 2006, the BBC said that Haaretz has a moderate view on foreign policy and security. David Remnick from The New Yorker called Haaretz "easily the most liberal newspaper in Israel." He said its ideas are left-wing and it often opposes the government.
J. J. Goldberg described Haaretz as "Israel's most vehemently anti-settlement daily paper." Stephen Glain called it "Israel's liberal beacon." He noted its strong opinions against the occupation of territories and unfair treatment of Arab citizens.
A study in 2003 looked at how Haaretz reported on the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. It found that the reporting was more favorable to Israelis than to Palestinians. However, it was less so than The New York Times.
Formatting, Circulation, and Reputation
Circulation
In 2022, a survey found that Haaretz was the third most-read newspaper in Israel. About 4.7% of people read it. This was less than Israel Hayom (31%) and Yedioth Ahronoth (23.9%).
Formatting and Image
Haaretz uses smaller headlines and print compared to other big newspapers in Israel. It uses fewer pictures and focuses more on political analysis. Opinion articles are usually written by regular writers, not guest writers.
The newspaper's opinion pages are thought to be very important among government leaders. Besides news, Haaretz also publishes articles on social and environmental topics. It includes book reviews, special investigative reports, and political opinions.
In 2008, the newspaper reported that 65,000 people paid to subscribe. It sold 72,000 copies daily and 100,000 on weekends. The English edition had 15,000 subscribers.
Internet Editions
Haaretz has websites in both Hebrew and English. These websites provide the latest breaking news. They also have live question-and-answer sessions with important people from Israel, the Palestinian territories, and other places. The sites also feature blogs with different political views and opinions.
Lior Kodner is in charge of all digital media for the Haaretz Group. Simon Spungin edits the English website (Haaretz.com). Avi Scharf edits the Hebrew website (Haaretz.co.il).
Offices
The main Haaretz building is located on Schocken Street in the southern part of Tel Aviv.
The old Haaretz building, used from 1932 to 1973, was designed by architect Joseph Berlin. It was torn down in the early 1990s. Only a part of its front wall was saved. This part was then added into the design of the new building at 56 Maza Street.
Journalists and Writers
Many important journalists and writers have worked for Haaretz throughout its history. They have covered a wide range of topics, from politics and military affairs to culture, economy, and social issues. These writers have helped shape the newspaper's unique voice and its reputation for in-depth analysis and commentary.
Images for kids
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Passengers on board a Palestine Airways Short Scion, 1939. The second passenger on the left is reading Haaretz.
See also
In Spanish: Haaretz para niños
- Culture of Israel
- Economy of Israel
- List of newspapers in Israel
