"I also appreciate the inclusion of Shireen Abu-Akleh’s case as it points to a larger, systematic issue that Palestinians face. This provides key information to the readers that many reports often omit."
June 14, 2023
To:
Isabel Debre, Correspondent, Associated Press
Josef Federman, News Director, Associated Press
Donovan Vincent, Public Editor, Toronto Star
Dear Ms. Debre, Mr. Federman, 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 coverage in the article entitled “Israeli soldiers will not face criminal charges in the death of elderly Palestinian-American” written by Isabel Debre of AP and published by the Toronto Star on June 13, 2023.
I appreciate your efforts to include diverse sources, including the Palestinian son of Omar Assad and the human rights organization B’Tselem. I also appreciate the inclusion of Shireen Abu-Akleh’s case as it points to a larger, systematic issue that Palestinians face. This provides key information to the readers that many reports often omit.
However, the article could be improved with a headline that more clearly describes the issues presented in the article. The article points to an ongoing problem of Palestinians being killed by Israeli soldiers who rarely face consequences, so the headline should indicate that this is the main problem being discussed. I insist that the headline be updated to read “Systemic lack of accountability, no charges against Israeli soldiers for murder of Palestinian-American.”
Although citing a human rights organization was useful in providing balanced coverage, the article would be strengthened by interviewing a member of the organization,instead of just summarizing B’Tselem’s position on the subject. Including quotes from Assad’s son was a step in the right direction.
Thank you again for your coverage. I encourage you to continue sharing such stories are more frequently reported. Should you wish, you can contact me at 438-380-5410 for more information.
Sincerely,
Yasmeen Amer
Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East