Daily Telegraph Issues Apology Over 'Undercover Jew' Operation in Sydney
The Daily Telegraph has formally apologised to Cairo Takeaway, a Middle Eastern restaurant in Sydney, for "causing distress" through an undercover operation that involved sending pro-Israel activist Ofir Birenbaum to the eatery. The apology was published on page two of the News Corp newspaper as part of a joint statement to resolve a legal dispute, which has since been settled.
Joint Statement and Renewed Dispute
In the agreed statement, Cairo Takeaway accepted that Birenbaum was polite to staff and purchased a drink, and it unreservedly apologised for false and defamatory statements made against him. The Daily Telegraph acknowledged that entering the restaurant without notice to see if Birenbaum would be treated differently caused distress and apologised for that. However, just hours after the statement was published, the dispute reignited when Birenbaum posted a personal statement on Instagram, claiming "the truth wins" and that he was "completely vindicated." His lawyer, Rebekah Giles, called it "an important win for Ofir Birenbaum and the Australian Jewish community."
Background of the Legal Battle
The original incident occurred in February when Birenbaum visited Cairo Takeaway wearing a Star of David cap and necklace, accompanied by Daily Telegraph reporters. The operation, internally dubbed "undercover Jew," backfired and made international headlines. In August, Birenbaum launched defamation proceedings against the restaurant's owner Hesham El Masry and staff member Talaat Yehia over social media posts, which the restaurant later deleted and apologised for. The restaurant then countersued Birenbaum, accusing him of trespassing to elicit a negative reaction, alleging it was targeted due to its pro-Palestine stance.
Confidential Settlement and Public Statements
While the exact details of the settlement remain confidential, the joint statement was published by both parties and the Daily Telegraph. It emphasised that all Australians should be able to safely express their racial or religious affiliations and debate issues respectfully. However, lawyers for Cairo Takeaway responded to Birenbaum's personal statement, accusing him and his lawyer of making claims inconsistent with the joint statement "in both word and spirit." They disputed the characterisation of the operation as "legitimate public interest journalism," noting the Telegraph's apology contradicted this view.
Internal Documents and Further Allegations
Court documents revealed an internal planning document by Daily Telegraph reporter Danielle Gusmaroli, titled "undercoverjew," which outlined plans to film reactions in areas like Newtown, Blacktown, Bankstown, and Arncliffe. Birenbaum has denied wearing video glasses during the operation. Giles defended Birenbaum's actions, stating he was free to explain his participation in what she called public interest journalism, citing past statements from the cafe and social media posts by staff.
The situation highlights ongoing tensions in Sydney over issues of antisemitism and religious expression, with both sides maintaining their positions despite the legal resolution.
