The British broadcaster confirmed the settlement on Saturday evening, saying the incident stemmed from an internal error in which staff believed permission to enter the home had been granted.
By Shula Rosen
The BBC has paid NIS 120,000 ($38,000) in compensation to the Horenstein family of Netiv HaAsara after a BBC television crew entered their home without consent to film in the immediate aftermath of the October 7, 2023, attacks, according to a report by Jewish News.
The British broadcaster confirmed the settlement on Saturday evening, saying the incident stemmed from an internal error in which staff believed permission to enter the home had been granted.
The BBC said it accepted responsibility for the distress caused and issued a formal apology to the family.
Tzeela Horenstein said the unauthorized filming deepened the trauma her family experienced after surviving the attack.
“Not only did terrorists break into our home and try to murder us, but then the BBC crew entered again, this time with a camera as a weapon, without permission or consent,” she said, according to Jewish News. “It was another intrusion into our lives.” She added: “We felt that everything that was still under our control had been taken from us.”
The Horensteins, including Tzeela, her husband, Simon, and their two children, survived after their front door twisted and jammed when terrorists from Hamas attached and detonated an explosive device. Tzeela later discovered footage filmed inside the house while viewing BBC coverage, prompting the family to pursue legal action.
As part of the resolution, the BBC delivered a written apology in Hebrew from Joaquin Floto, the network’s Middle East bureau chief. “We wish to express our understanding of the distress you had following the filming of your home after the October 7 attack. We are of course sorry for this,” the statement said. “Our entry into your home resulted from a good-faith mistake, as we believed consent had been given… The BBC had no intention to harm you or cause you discomfort.”
The family was represented by attorney Ori Eldar, who said the case raised broader questions about accountability for publicly funded media organizations operating in areas affected by mass trauma. While journalism plays a critical role, Eldar said, it must be conducted with restraint and sensitivity, emphasizing that press freedom does not negate the obligation to respect the privacy and dignity of victims.
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