Palestinian perspectives excluded from news segment about Israeli's judicial reform

"I am asking that you consider having a follow-up episode on the issue of the private militia.  As Canadians, it is important that we hear the voices and perspectives of Palestinian citizens of Israel as well as  Palestinians living under occupation in East Jerusalem, Gaza and the West Bank.  They have a lot to fear from a private militia under Ben-Gvir’s control."


March 30, 2023

To:

Matt Galloway, Host, CBC The Current

Dear Mr. Galloway,

I am writing to express my appreciation for the segment of the Current on March 28 that addressed Prime Minister Netanyahu’s decision to put the judicial reform on hold.  It was good to hear the issue discussed and to hear the perspectives of the three individuals that you interviewed – Ronen Bergman, Michael Koplow and Steve Hendrix.

As you are aware, in exchange for delaying the judicial reform, Prime Minister Netanyahu promised Itamar Ben-Gvir, his Minister of National Security, that he will be given authority to establish a “national guard,” which critics within Israel consider a “private militia” under his command. As you stated in the interview, Mr. Ben-Gvir is a member of the ultranationalist party, Jewish Power.

I am asking that you consider having a follow-up episode on the issue of the private militia.  As Canadians, it is important that we hear the voices and perspectives of Palestinian citizens of Israel as well as  Palestinians living under occupation in East Jerusalem, Gaza and the West Bank.  They have a lot to fear from a private militia under Ben-Gvir’s control.

Sincerely,

Debbie Hubbard

Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East - Okanagan