"What is completely absent from the article is any reference to the significant numbers of anti-apartheid and anti-occupation protesters, largely organized by the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign (PSC) in the UK. One Twitter post calling for a protest by PSC was seen by over 39,000 people and was shared over 300 times. Photos show protesters with signs reading 'The occupation is a moral crisis' and 'no democracy with occupation,' largely from the 'Na’amod: British Jews Against Occupation' contingent."
March 24, 2023
Dear Ms. Kirka, Mr. Federman, and Mr. Taylor,
I’m writing on behalf of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME, https://www.cjpme.org) to express concern about key omissions in a recent article entitled “Protesters greet Netanyahu as he meets U.K. leader in London” by Danica Kirka of the AP published in CTV News on March 24, 2023.
The significant number of Pro-Palestine protesters are omitted from your reporting. The article states:
“Netanyahu had to pass by hundreds of protesters waving Israeli flags and waving signs calling for the defence of Israeli democracy as he arrived at 10 Downing St. for talks that focused on the war in Ukraine and concerns about Iran's nuclear program.”
After this statement, a particular protest sign about Israelis and Jews in the U.K. is highlighted, as well as women wearing “The Handmaid’s Tale” costumes (a staple of recent protests in Israel). All of this gives the clear impression that the protests were merely by pro-Israel groups who are concerned about the recent judiciary reform.
What is completely absent from the article is any reference to the significant numbers of anti-apartheid and anti-occupation protesters, largely organized by the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign (PSC) in the UK. One Twitter post calling for a protest by PSC was seen by over 39,000 people and was shared over 300 times. Photos show protesters with signs reading “The occupation is a moral crisis” and “no democracy with occupation,” largely from the “Na’amod: British Jews Against Occupation” contingent. Other photos show at least dozens of Palestinian flags being held by protesters outside of 10 Downing St. All of these pictures are evidence that there was a notable contingent present at the protests today, which Kirka’s reporting has entirely omitted.
I insist you update your article to reflect the multiple groups present at the protests. Here is our suggested text:
“Netanyahu had to pass by hundreds of protesters as he arrived at 10 Downing St. Protesters included anti-apartheid protesters concerned about Israel’s ongoing occupation of Palestinian territory who waved Palestinian flags and signs reading “No democracy with occupation,” as well as protesters waving Israeli flags and signs calling for the defence of Israeli democracy.”
Thank you in advance for making these important changes. If you would like to discuss this matter further, please contact me at 438-380-5410.
Sincerely,
Jason Toney
Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East
Director of Media Advocacy