|
* We would like to voice a formal complaint to those addressed above, who appear to be jointly responsible for the map prominently displayed on “Concierge.com Israel.” This is a “powered by Google” map, http://www.concierge.com/travelguide/israel/map. We believe the map to be deliberately misleading.
In the standard default view of the map, the label “Saida” conveniently obscures the southern region of Lebanon. There is no visible border. This map makes it appear that Saida would be the southernmost city in Lebanon. In fact, Saida is roughly 40 miles from the border.
Because of this label, you cannot see the border of Southern Lebanon unless you use the zoom tool. As the border in question is of enormous historic significance, we cannot believe this obfuscation a mere accident. At the default view, the one seen by any visitor to Concierge.com, “Saida” is the only city in Lebanon that is labelled; not even the larger, capital city of Beirut is labelled. For that matter, there are no Israeli cities labelled at all; so city names are not evidently of geographical necessity. Still the cloud of “Saida” hides the border.
This is not the case on the original Google Map. On the 6th frame zoomed in from the world view, the label “Saida” is similarly obscuring the border, but 3 Israeli labels are also visible in this frame (Haifa, Bat Yam, Ashdod). This is the only frame where the border is obscured. Hence Concierge.com chose to keep the Saida-label cover, but chose to tidy away the Israeli labels—labels which would ostensibly be of more interest to a travel guide of Israel. Such is the case, even though Google Terms and Conditions specify that modification is prohibited, without prior written authorization from Google, of course.
The fact that this misrepresentation occurs on one of the original Google views is grossly negligent. The fact that Concierge.com chose to exploit that misrepresentation is reprehensible. To what do we owe such a manoeuvre?
Ironically, the labels “West Bank” and “Gaza Strip” also make it onto the map, albeit not identified as Palestinian. Actually, it is only the labels “West Bank” and “Gaza Strip” that are present. The territorial markings—which in Google are indicated by dotted lines—are simply not there. Similarly, the Golan Heights shows neither label nor territorial markings, but is presented as part and parcel of Israel.
The explanation for these crafty edits of Google lies in a section of Concierge.com called “Travel Tips.” As a “Security” note on the so-called “Fact Sheet”, it is explained that
“Most violence is confined to the West Bank and Gaza Strip, but terrorist attacks have happened in Israel proper—and doubtless will again. There's little one can do to prepare for or avoid an attack, except to use common sense: Be mindful of bags without obvious owners, stay alert in crowded places, and if you're unfamiliar with East Jerusalem or the Old City, avoid traveling there at night. You'll appreciate the noticeable security presence nationwide. This means bag-checks at the entrances to most public places (malls, cinemas, restaurants), armed guards on some public buses, and frequent requests for picture ID (carry a photo of your passport at all times). Never leave bags unaccompanied—they may be mistaken for bombs and quickly destroyed. Although exploring the cities' large open-air markets is one of the pleasures of visiting Israel, they theoretically could be targeted for terrorist attacks.” [http://www.concierge.com/travelguide/israel/factsheet]
So there you have it: Concierge.com states that the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem are not “Israel proper.” This seeming euphemism for “Palestinian” suggests that they are for now just tainted Israel. Because they are the bad sections of town, where you might encounter nameless scroundels. They are the pockets of trouble that all major metropolitan populations must endure.
These political manipulations are an inexcusable attempt to present the Zionist dream of Israel. Concierge.com not only avoids reality, it denies reality. This is a violation of the fundamental principles of truth in advertising. As a travel guide, Concierge.com bears some responsibility to its consumer. We thus request a written explanation of these discrepancies and submit that they be amended promptly; we may be reached by email or post.
We intend to make public this complaint and hereby notify you that your response, or lack of response, will likewise be made public.
(Below is the default view of the map in question)
(Below is the view of the map in question when scrolled down to view Lebanon as well; note that at first glance with the label ‘Lebanon’ so small, it looks as though the whole area is ‘Israel’)
|
|
FOL formal complaint * As you will recall, on 14 December FOL initiated a formal complaint on the misrepresentation in a “powered by Google” map displayed on “Concierge.com Israel,” reproduced below. The complaint was addressed to Google Inc, Condé Nast Digital, LeadDog Consulting, Europa Technologies Limited, and Orion Middle East.
Bear in mind that the primary target of the complaint is Condé Nast. This is not Joe Schmo’s blog. This is a multi-billion dollar global conglomerate. (a glimpse of its magnitude can be found here) Condé Nast is a household name in the travel industry. While we have yet to receive a written response, there has been a more valuable response: dashed lines. You will recall that at the time of our complaint, the map presented on Concierge.com omitted the territorial markings both for the Golan Heights and for Gaza and West Bank, Palestine. They have now been included, and can be viewed at http://www.concierge.com/travelguide/israel/map; see below for comparison. Of course it does not change the reality of life in the region. But maps are a defined representation of our perception of that reality. Maps not only reflect what is seen, but suggest how we should see what they are intended to symbolise. If students doing reports or tourists planning holiday itineraries refer to a map, they will assume its accuracy. Not realising their reference point has been politicised, they will in turn reinforce and perpetuate its bias. The challenge of changing physical reality belongs on the ground with those suffering occupation. But the challenge of their political support lies with us.
To have prompted the inclusion of Palestinian territorial markings on the Condé Nast map is a great accomplishment. Nonetheless, the Golan Heights is still missing and the label of “Saida” still obscures the border of Southern Lebanon. We intend to pursue the matter further and invite your participation. What are your ideas? Do you represent an organisation that would like to sign the continued complaint?
Concierge.com maps http://www.concierge.com/travelguide/israel/map, Dec 09—Jan 10:
December 2009 January 2010
Guiding principles for activism We’ve posted several news editorials this month, including “Common Activist Errors and Some Proposals to Rectify Them,” contributed by the Palestine Think Tank Editorial team. The report focuses on the campaign for Palestinian rights. The points it raises, however, are relevant to the campaign for a unified and peaceful Lebanon. The history of Palestine is irrevocably intertwined with that of Lebanon. But the Lebanese campaign does present a separate spectrum of obstacles. You are invited to study the report and offer your thoughts on how it relates to the Lebanese chapter of human rights activism. What points are held in common? What additional points need to be raised? Let us know at mail@friendsoflebanon.org. Civil Rights Legislation The Palestine Civil Rights Campaign (Lebanon) and the Sabra Shatila Foundation (Beirut, Lebanon-Washington DC) have created a petition addressed to the Cabinet and Parliament of Lebanon. Building international support for this proposed legislation sends a clear message of long overdue compassion. It should be emphasised that the refugees are human first, Palestinian second. Granting basic civil rights to refugees acknowledges a respect for that humanity.
Building international support for this proposed legislation also sends a clear message of determination to fulfil the pledge to revive and sustain Palestine. Such legislation should in no way encourage the refugees to be perceived as Lebanese; they should retain their Palestinian honour and heritage. Above all, the granting of basic civil rights should never diminish or overshadow their fundamental right of return to Palestine. Please read the full petition here (http://www.petitiononline.com/ssfpcrc/), sign your support, and circulate and publicise the petition widely. The Palestinian refugees of Lebanon deserve our respect. Let them know that they have it. Upcoming Events The February calendar of events for the London area is posted here. Please let us know if there are additional events of interest to FOL supporters. If you attend an event of particular merit (in the UK or beyond) and would like to share your experience in the following FOL newsletter, please do email in your comments.
|
