"More contextual information about the motivations behind the protest should have been provided to understand why that action is so important: details about the situation in Gaza, such as including the number of casualties and Canada’s role in enabling it through arms sales."
February 29, 2024
To:
Brad Kraemer, Reporter, CityNews Kitchener
James Sebastian-Scott, Director of News & Programming, CityNews Kitchener
Dear Brad Kraemer and James Sebastian-Scott,
I am writing to ask for a minor change in the article: “Kitchener factory blocked by protesters demanding arms embargo on Israel,” published on February 28 in City News Kitchener.
While you do mention the intention of the protesters, the ICJ ruling that Israel is plausibly committing genocide, and Canada’s complicity, you could have provided a full picture of the reasons behind the protest.
More contextual information about the motivations behind the protest should have been provided to understand why that action is so important: details about the situation in Gaza, such as including the number of casualties and Canada’s role in enabling it through arms sales.
According to OCHA, as of February 29, 2024, at least 30,035 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since Oct. 7, and 70,457 Palestinians were injured.
Between October and December 2023, the Canadian government approved exports of $28.5 M worth of military goods to Israel. It is more than any other year over the past 30 years.
I, therefore, ask you to add the information mentioned above to better communicate the urgency and significance of the protest.
I hope City News Kitchener will make this minor change and continue reporting on local actions that are trying to push Canada to comply with its international obligations.
Sincerely,
Fatima Haidar,
Media Analyst, Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East