The Media Accountability Project  

Inadequate context regarding Palestinian absence in protests against judicial reforms

"Historically, the Israeli judiciary and supreme court have given their stamp of approval to racist laws like the Jewish Nation State Law, Jewish settlement activities, and forced expulsions. Thus, Palestinian citizens of Israel fail to see how these protests will address the discriminatory and racist laws that they face."

March 27, 2023

To:

 

Tia Goldenberg, Journalist, Associated Press

Ilan Ben Zion, Journalist, Associated Press

Josef Federman, News Director, Associated Press

Dan Taylor, Managing Editor, CTV News

 

Dear Ms. Goldenberg, Mr. Federman, Mr. Zion, and Mr. Taylor, 

I’m writing to you on behalf of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME, https://www.cjpme.org) to provide an important critique regarding the article “Israeli mass protests, strike ramp up pressure on Netanyahu” authored by Tia Goldenberg and Ilan Ben Zion of the Associated Press and published by CTV News on March 27, 2023.

First, I would like to express appreciation for mentioning Palestinian citizens of Israel and their decision to refrain from joining the protests. This is important considering that Palestinian citizens form 21% of Israel’s population and thus constitute an important and necessary perspective.

However, I believe the article should provide a description as to why Palestinian citizens have chosen not to participate. As I am sure you are aware, Palestinian citizens of Israel are entirely marginalized in many aspects of Israeli society, and face racial discrimination through Israeli laws governing their rights for immigration, employment, housing, healthcare, and political participation. Historically, the Israeli judiciary and supreme court have given their stamp of approval to racist laws like the Jewish Nation State Law, Jewish settlement activities, and forced expulsions. Thus, Palestinian citizens of Israel fail to see how these protests will address the discriminatory and racist laws that they face.

I urge you to provide additional context to clarify why Palestinian citizens have chosen not to participate in the ongoing protests. Your readers will gain a much greater appreciation of the complexities and contradictions in Israeli society when you do.

Should you wish, you can contact me at 438-380-5410 for more information.

Sincerely,

Tayla Shair

Media Analyst, Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East

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