"I especially appreciated that you accurately described the history of Palestine and the reality of Palestinians. It is common to read in media that Israel withdrew from Gaza, but little fail to mention that it only withdrew its military troops and that it is still in control like you did."
To:
Amanda Follett Hosgood, Reporter, The Tyee
David Beers, Editor-in-chief, The Tyee
Dear Amanda Follett Hosgood and David Beers,
I am writing to thank you for the article: “How a Palestinian injured in a Drone Strike Came to Canada,” published on December 12 on The Tyee.
I appreciated this lengthy article giving voice and space to Mohammed Alzaza, a Gazan, and his story against the backdrop of the solidarity between the Jewish community and Palestinians.
His personal story made videos, pictures, and facts the more real for people like me who have been following the news, not just about Palestine and Palestinians but about migrants and their tribulations to get to Europe.
I especially appreciated that you accurately described the history of Palestine and the reality of Palestinians. It is common to read in media that Israel withdrew from Gaza, but little fail to mention that it only withdrew its military troops and that it is still in control like you did.
I was surprised to read that Neil Naiman, a member of Independent Jewish Voices Canada, an organization that helped Alzaza come to Canada, is from a Zionist background. I appreciated you mentioning that information, as it is not common for people from similar backgrounds to be given a tribune.
I feel like it makes Mohammed Alzazaʼs story the more incredible, considering all his struggles and the international support required for him to get to Vancouver.
Thank you, Amanda Follett Hosgood and the Tyee, for giving voice to Palestinians and covering Palestine humanely and accurately. I hope you will continue to do so.
Sincerely,
Fatima Haidar,
Media Analyst, Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East