Gaslighting and Projection of Orwellian Proportion
The 2023 Foundation is proud to share a powerful and timely article written by our founder, Michael Scott, recently published in The Australian Jewish News. Titled "Gaslighting and Projection of Orwellian Proportion," this article sheds light on the psychological tactics and misinformation shaping public perception in the ongoing Gaza conflict.
The Battle Beyond the Battlefield
The conflict between Israel and Hamas is not only fought with military might but also in the arena of information. Michael highlights how Hamas employs two key psychological tactics:
Gaslighting: Manipulating reality to cause individuals to doubt their understanding of events.
Projection: Attributing unacceptable behaviours to others to deflect blame and mask the truth.
Michael draws parallels between these tactics and the dystopian warnings in George Orwell’s 1984, where propaganda and the rewriting of history are central to controlling perceptions.
Unveiling False Narratives
Hamas' manipulation of casualty figures is a cornerstone of their misinformation campaign. Michael’s article underscores the findings of Major Andrew Fox’s report, Questionable Counting, which reveals:
Inflated death tolls by failing to distinguish between civilians and combatants.
Misleading casualty reports that include pre-conflict deaths.
Directives from Hamas operatives to label all casualties as “innocent civilians.”
Widespread journalistic failures to critically evaluate these figures.
The Role of UNRWA and Journalistic Integrity
The article also highlights the infiltration of humanitarian organisations like UNRWA by Hamas, where civilian facilities are exploited for military purposes. Despite clear evidence, many media outlets continue to amplify Hamas narratives uncritically, endangering the integrity of journalism and public trust.
Michael emphasises the importance of accurate reporting and accountability in journalism. He calls for:
Rigorous verification of claims.
Exposure of double standards in reporting.
Demands for retractions when falsehoods are published.
A Call to Action
In this era of misinformation, Michael’s article reminds us that the fight for truth is universal. As he writes:
"The world must find the courage to stand for truth, expose falsehoods, and ensure that Israel’s efforts to protect innocent lives are recognised for what they are: a defence of justice against a regime that thrives on deception."
At The 2023 Foundation, we are committed to combating antisemitism and fostering understanding through education and action. This article is a powerful example of the conversations we aim to inspire and the values we stand for.
We invite you to read Michael’s full article.
Together, let us champion truth, integrity, and justice.