"The context that Balsam was referring to is clear. He was discussing pro-Palestine protests in support of a ceasefire, not pro-Israel protests, as the Toronto Sun’s article suggests."
Aug 27, 2024
Dear Kevin Connor and Adrienne Batra,
I'm writing on behalf of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East to alert you to the inappropriate use of a quote in an old article, "Pro-Israeli rally held in support of hostages as Palestinian supporters call for ceasefire,” published by the Toronto Sun in November of 2023. I acknowledge this article is old, but the reality remains that this is a notable error that deserves prompt correction.
It was brought to my attention by a CJPME researcher that the Toronto Sun quoted Independent Jewish Voice’s Corey Balsam about protests in Canada at that time. Used in the context of pro-Israel protests in Canada at the time, the article states:
“Canadian Jews have been speaking out and joining demonstrations in record numbers,” said Corey Balsam, national co-ordinator of Independent Jewish Voices.
“When we say never again, that means now and that means Gaza and it’s why our members will be taking to the streets right across this country on Nov. 12.”
This quote also appeared in an article in Financial Post in July 2023, but the context that Balsam was referring to is clear. He was discussing pro-Palestine protests in support of a ceasefire, not pro-Israel protests, as the Toronto Sun’s article suggests.
For the sake of the public record, I am urging the Toronto Sun to correct the article. I have communicated with Corey Balsam about this issue, and he has agreed that the use of the quote by the Toronto Sun is incorrect. Please let me know when the issue is resolved.
Sincerely,
Jason Toney
Director of Media Advocacy, Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East