Lior Berkovic
Role at the time: Podcaster and former footballer, Eyal Berkovic's son, on Instagram
Statement summary
Lior Berkovic calls his father's words about Tibi a small remark, asks whether small jabs and opinions that offend someone are no longer allowed, and tells his father that if Tibi is a doctor, he is a professor.
“A few hours ago Dad was suspended from Channel 13 over a small remark about 'Doctor' Ahmad Tibi. And I ask myself, what, is it no longer allowed to throw small jabs, is it no longer allowed to express an opinion without someone getting offended ... Dad, if Ahmad Tibi is a doctor, then you are a professor (Translated from Hebrew. Original: לפני כמה שעות אבא הושעה מערוץ 13 עקב התבטאות קטנה כלפי 'דוקטור' אחמד טיבי. ואני שואל את עצמי מה אסור יותר לזרוק עקיצות קטנות, אסור יותר להביע דעה בלי שמישהו או מישהי יעלבו ... אבא, אם אחמד טיבי דוקטור, אז אתה פרופסור)”
Why we used this label
The reference point is Eyal Berkovic's November 7 on-air remarks questioning whether Abdul El-Sayed and Ahmad Tibi are really doctors. His son calls the remark a small jab that should be allowed, objects to the suspension and repeats the doubt about Tibi's title in his closing line, which defends the remarks. Minimized is the closest competing label; it loses because he does more than play the remark down and argues it should be permitted.