The Censor is the Message: Three Realms of Censorship – The Case of Haim Walder

This study applies the concepts of censorship and agenda-setting to better understand the roles that media outlets created by reclusive religious groups, such as the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community (Haredim), aim to fulfill. By examining the Haim Walder affair, the article explores the nature of censorship and agenda-setting in ultra-Orthodox media. Research methods include the systematic collection of journalistic sources (59 printed sources and 9,933 mentions across online sites and social networks), as well as textual analysis, netnography, and in-depth interviews. The findings reveal significant differences in how censorship is enacted across print, online, and social media platforms. Rather than merely hiding information, censorship in this context also serves as a mechanism for transmitting messages – both educational and social. The article argues that censorship plays a defining role in shaping the identity, character, and reputation of ultra-Orthodox media within its community. The study highlights how censorship and agenda-setting help preserve religious and cultural norms by controlling the flow of information, providing new insights into the unique characteristics of media censorship in reclusive religious communities.