Misidentified Photo Spreads False Information About Golan Heights Airstrike

A recent incident of misinformation has surfaced, involving the false attribution of an American child's photograph to a victim of an airstrike in the Golan Heights. This event highlights the ongoing challenges of combating the spread of false information on social media platforms, especially during times of conflict.

On July 27, 2024, an airstrike occurred on a football field in Majdal Shams, located in the Israel-occupied Golan Heights. The attack resulted in the tragic loss of 12 children and teenagers. Israel accused Iran-backed Hezbollah of carrying out the strike, although the group denied responsibility.

In the aftermath of this incident, a photograph of a toddler holding a strawberry began circulating on social media. Captions accompanying the image falsely claimed it depicted "Malak," a two-year-old victim of the attack. However, this information was entirely inaccurate.

The truth behind the photograph emerged when its actual origin was revealed. Rachel Ghirarda, a U.S.-based Instagram user, had originally posted the image on May 10, 2023, more than a year before the airstrike. The photo depicts her daughter, Julia, and has no connection to the Golan Heights incident.

"The image shared online showed my daughter."

Addressing the misuse of her daughter's image, Ghirarda made a public statement on Facebook on July 30, 2024, clarifying the situation and expressing her concern over the false attribution.

The Druze Heritage Center in Israel has shared photographs and names of the actual 12 children and teenagers who lost their lives in the July 27 attack. These details have also been reported by local news outlets, providing accurate information about the victims.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fact-checking and the potential consequences of sharing unverified information. The Golan Heights, a territory disputed between Israel and Syria since the 1967 Six-Day War, continues to be a sensitive geopolitical area. The Druze population, the largest minority group in the region, has largely refused Israeli citizenship, adding to the complex social and political landscape.

As misinformation often spreads rapidly during conflicts, the role of fact-checking organizations becomes increasingly crucial. The Reuters Fact Check team, which produced this report, is part of a broader initiative to combat online misinformation and ensure the dissemination of accurate news.

In conclusion, while the July 27 airstrike in Majdal Shams was a tragic event resulting in real casualties, the photograph in question was miscaptioned and does not depict any of the victims. This case underscores the need for vigilance and critical thinking when consuming and sharing information on social media platforms.