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🇮🇱 Israel /Culture & Society

Behind the Bylines: Arieh O'Sullivan, an explosive career

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Arieh O'Sullivan, a veteran defense correspondent for The Jerusalem Post, has written over 4,000 articles during his decade-long career.
  • O'Sullivan transitioned to journalism after studying agriculture and serving in the army, seeking adventure and the opportunity to explore different lives through storytelling.
  • His career began with a significant event on his first day: a suicide bombing in Jerusalem, marking the challenging start to his role as a defense correspondent.

Arieh O'Sullivan's career as a defense correspondent for The Jerusalem Post is a testament to a life dedicated to news and storytelling. With over 4,000 articles penned in 10 years, his tenure is marked by a deep engagement with the complexities of the region.

O'Sullivan's path to journalism was not direct. Initially drawn to farming and the Zionist ethos, he studied agriculture and lived on a kibbutz. However, post-army service, he discovered a passion for news and storytelling, a calling that allowed him to indulge his love for writing, adventure, and stepping into the lives of others. "Each story could let me put myself into other people’s shoes and lives. Every single day was different. I embraced that," he shared.

His move to The Jerusalem Post in 1996, recruited by then-editor Jeff Barak, was a deliberate shift from the anonymity of wire service journalism. O'Sullivan sought the distinct voice and focus of a dedicated beat. His first day as defense correspondent was a stark introduction to the realities of his new role, coinciding with a suicide bombing on a Jerusalem bus that killed approximately 20 people. This event underscored the immediate need to develop sources and navigate the specialized world of military reporting.

Throughout his time at the Post, O'Sullivan covered hard news, analyses, and in-depth features. He even ventured into writing about archaeology, food, and travel, including a memorable trip to Dublin for Bloomsday. His prolific output and diverse range of topics highlight a career rich in experience and driven by an insatiable curiosity.

Each story could let me put myself into other people’s shoes and lives. Every single day was different. I embraced that.

— Arieh O'SullivanExplaining his attraction to journalism.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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