"You use the word “angry” to describe the protesters calling for a ceasefire, using the same language that Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke used to describe what was happening in the city council chambers. It makes your article one-sided and unfair since their demands are legitimate and reasonable, considering the seriousness of the events unfolding in Gaza."
November 23, 2023
To:
Tom Zytaruk, Journalist, Kelowna Capital News
Jen Zielinski, Bureau Chief, Kelowna Capital News
Dear Tom Zytaruk, and Jen Zielinski,
I am writing to express concerns about your article: “Heated Gaza conflict protest clears B.C. city's council chambers,” published on November 21 in Kelowna Capital News.
I want to highlight significant issues that make your article one-sided.
First, you use the words “Heated Gaza conflict,” which is not a fair description of the situation as it entirely excludes Israel’s actions and responsibility in the events unfolding in Gaza. As of November 23, more than 14,500 Palestinians have been killed by Israel.
I, therefore, suggest changing the words “Heated Gaza conflict” to terms like “Gaza's ongoing situation.”
Second, you use the word “angry” to describe the protesters calling for a ceasefire, using the same language that Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke used to describe what was happening in the city council chambers.
It makes your article one-sided and unfair since their demands are legitimate and reasonable, considering the seriousness of the events unfolding in Gaza.
It does not depict them and the Palestinian cause in a good light but just as a bunch of embarrassing people who wanted to disrupt any other event.
I, therefore, suggest changing the word “angry” to “concerned.”
Third, your article gives more space to Mayor Locke and councillors Harry Bains and Linda Annis' opinions and reactions to protesters calling for a ceasefire instead of the protesters and the reason they’re calling for a ceasefire. You only quote two people that you describe as “a woman shouting about genocide” and “a man who addressed council during the public hearing.”
I, therefore, suggest adding perspectives from the protesters.
I hope Kelowna Capital News will make these changes and cover future local events regarding the situation in Palestine-Israel in a fair and balanced manner.
Sincerely,
Fatima Haidar,
Media Analyst, Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East