Of all the genres of interviews, those conducted by the media with family and friends of victims of tragedy are among the most difficult and often least successful.
A remarkable exception to that rule comes in the form of the interview David Gregory conducted on this morning's Today show with Rabbi Shalom Paltiel, who was a friend of the Chabad couple murdered in Mombai and is a fellow member of the Chabad movement.
Gregory demonstrates knowledge and sensitivity, and Rabbi Paltiel exhibits a faith and optimism in the face of tragedy that people of all faiths should find inspiring. I encourage people to watch. The exchange is dignified, lacking in the kind of maudlin sentimentality that can occur in this kind of interview. And with an absence of bathos, the rabbi gives a wonderful explanation of who the Holtzberg couple were, what the Chabad movement is about, and how it looks to the future.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
I am awaiting Israels next
November 30, 2008 - 11:07 ET by ConservativeRexI am awaiting Israels next move. It is not going to be a pantywaist effort I am sure.
India does not mess around either. This is going to be something over there. Pakistan already came out screaming...."now hold on India...hold on it wasn't us"...and they both have nukes, they both hate each other...
Y'all get ready, this may be the lit fuse. On top of that, we may actually get someone on the phone we can understand now!!
Hats Off to David Gregory
November 30, 2008 - 11:49 ET by allanfI watched the interview in stunned silence as it aired on Today. It was Gregory's finest piece of work. Not explotive at all. In this case he deserves congratulations.
Rabbi Paltiel is remarkable.
Innocents slaughtered again
November 30, 2008 - 11:47 ET by political mavenJust brings tears to my eyes. Just don't understand why everyone walks around like sitting ducks....people need to be armed.
As usual the cops show up to clean up the blood after it is spilled.
Making the Best.........
November 30, 2008 - 12:11 ET by DanoCongrats' to David Gregory this interview. I know he is not often on our side of the fence, but credit is due to him for being compassionate. He did not interupt or talk over the Rabbi. Also a well done is due the nanny for saving the boy....very brave move. Our prayers go out to the Holtzberg family.
He can relate...
November 30, 2008 - 12:50 ET by MrCameramanFrom what I know, Gregory is Jewish himself, which may have played a part in this...When it hits home, it's always a little easier as a journalist to understand what others might be dealing with. It's nice to see one of these interviews turn out this way as opposed to the usual vulturistic sound bite gathering that happens around tragedies.
Interesting. It never
November 30, 2008 - 12:59 ET by Mark FinkelsteinInteresting. It never occured to me that Gregory might be Jewish, but after reading your comment I Googled, and sure enough!
Please don't anyone tell me Olbermann is, too ;-)
It's nice to see one of
December 1, 2008 - 06:43 ET by motherbeltIt's nice to see one of these interviews turn out this way as opposed
to the usual vulturistic sound bite gathering that happens around
tragedies.
True, but it shouldn't only occur when the journalist has a personal or emotional connection to the story.
Go figure!
December 1, 2008 - 06:31 ET by ampul man"Interesting. It never occured to me that Gregory might be Jewish, but after reading your comment I Googled, and sure enough!"
Go figure, Mark. But then again, he has no problem pronouncing CHabad.