The Media Accountability Project  

Thanks for quoting CJPME & IJV in coverage of IHRA controversy at the UN by Toronto Star

"You rightfully call attention to criticism of IHRA in its use to repress and silence Palestine activism. It is very critical for Canadian audiences to be aware of this criticism seeing as IHRA has been adopted in many forums with little or no debate. Unfortunately, it has subsequently been used to undermine the free expression of many activists and human rights organizations fighting for Palestinian rights."

April 14, 2023

To:

Richie Assaly, Journalist, Toronto Star

Anne Marie Owens, Editor-in-chief, Toronto Star

Donovan Vincent, Public Editor, Toronto Star

 

Dear Mr. Assaly, Ms. Owens and Mr. Vincent,

I’m writing to you on behalf of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME, https://www.cjpme.org) to thank you for your news article titled, “Why a debate over how to define antisemitsm has reached the United Nations” published on April 13, 2023.

I appreciate your coverage of the controversial IHRA definition of antisemitism that has sparked a debate in the United Nations. I also greatly appreciate that you include comments by reputable Canadian organizations including Independent Jewish Voices, United Jewish People’s Order of Canada and my organization, CJPME. 

You rightfully call attention to criticism of IHRA in its use to repress and silence Palestine activism. It is very critical for Canadian audiences to be aware of this criticism seeing as IHRA has been adopted in many forums with little or no debate. Unfortunately, it has subsequently been used to undermine the free expression of many activists and human rights organizations fighting for Palestinian rights.

Lastly, I appreciate that you include a final section explaining the demands of the joint letter signed by over 60 human rights and civil society organizations urging the UN not to adopt IHRA.

I thank you once again for including Palestinian perspectives and their allies’ voices in your reporting.

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

Sincerely,

Reem Majid

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

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