Catholic Israeli journalist known for unabashed views dies at 52

Published: 2006-06-27

JERUSALEM (CNS) -- A prominent Israeli Melkite Catholic, journalist Lutfy Mash'our, died June 22 at the age of 58 after a long bout with lung cancer. Mash'our was the editor and publisher of the Nazareth-based weekly As-Sennara newspaper, the most widely read Arab paper in Israel. He founded the paper in 1983 and went on to create a small publishing empire that included an advertising agency and a cutting-edge women's magazine. Uncompromising and outspoken with his ideals, Mash'our was a controversial figure who worked hard to bring modern journalism ethics to the Arab community in Israel. He often was quoted in the Israeli and international press -- including Catholic News Service -- for his unabashed views on various situations. "He was an outstanding journalist who didn't think twice before going to war if he was convinced of what he was doing," said Wadie Abunasser, a Catholic political analyst. "Many times he revealed a lot of problems within Arab political parties. He broke taboos, wrote about rape, corruption and political mismanagement. ... He really contributed to the development of the Arab media in Israel."

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