Thanks for highlighting the unjust experiences of Palestinian Americans under the pilot visa program

"We applaud Rosie Scammell’s efforts on this story. It is especially important that Scammell took the time to contact the various authorities of the parties involved and share the findings. It is a balanced, fair, and full article."


September 15, 2023

To:

Rosie Scammell, Journalist, AFP

Phil Chetwynd, Global News Director, AFP

Markos Papadatos, Editor-at-Large, Digital Journal

Dear Rosie Scammell, Phil Chetwynd, and Markos Papadatos,

I'm writing on behalf of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME, https://www.cjpme.org) to express appreciation for the AFP article “Palestinian-Americans accuse Israel of bias at borders,” written by Rosie Scammell and published on Digital Journal on September 15.

Coverage of the visa-free travel deal involving Palestinian-Americans has tended to be uncritical cheerleading. It is more than refreshing to read an article in which a journalist takes the time to interview Palestinian-Americans about their experiences with this pilot visa program. It is unsurprising that those interviewed report facing discrimination, but critically important that these experiences be shared.

We applaud Rosie Scammell’s efforts on this story. It is especially important that Scammell took the time to contact the various authorities of the parties involved and share the findings. It is a balanced, fair, and full article.

We encourage you to continue reporting on this issue.

Please contact me at 438-380-5410 for more information or additional comment.

Sincerely,

Jason Toney

Director of Media Advocacy, Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East