"I strongly urge you to use the term 'pro-Palestine' when referring to statements or actions that explicitly support the rights of the Palestinian people and their land. This is not merely a matter of semantics; it is about recognizing the existence and the humanity of an entire nation that continues to struggle under Israel’s brutal occupation. Your choice of language has a significant impact on public perception, and it is essential that it reflects fairness."
August 26, 2024
To:
Natalie Van Rooy, Journalist, CTV News
Ian Caldwell, Managing Editor, CTV News
Dear Ms. Rooy and Mr. Caldwell,
I am writing on behalf of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East to express concerns about the article titled “Jewish Federation of Ottawa, uOttawa host separate Pride events amid Capital Pride controversy” published on August 25, 2024.
In your video, you stated: “Absent from Capital Pride was the Jewish Federation of Ottawa and uOttawa. The groups pulled out entirely and hosted their own events after Capital Pride released that pro-Palestinian statement.”
I find it troubling that the phrase “that pro-Palestinian statement” was used instead of “pro-Palestine statement.” This choice of words a broader issue within Canadian media, where there is a persistent reluctance to use the word "Palestine." Some outlets go as far as not using the word “Palestine” altogether, reducing the conversation to "Palestinians" while systematically ignoring their land and their right to self-determination.
I strongly urge you to use the term “pro-Palestine” when referring to statements or actions that explicitly support the rights of the Palestinian people and their land. This is not merely a matter of semantics; it is about recognizing the existence and the humanity of an entire nation that continues to struggle under Israel’s brutal occupation. Your choice of language has a significant impact on public perception, and it is essential that it reflects fairness.
Additionally, the article and video were glaringly one-sided, excluding any Palestinian voices. Given that Palestinians are central to this controversy, it is necessary to include their voices. CJPME would be more than glad to provide contacts for this purpose now or in the future.
I strongly urge you to include a pro-Palestine perspective and to link Capital Pride’s pro-Palestine statement, which you can find here. This inclusion is not just necessary for balanced reporting; it is essential for providing readers with an honest and nuanced understanding of the situation.
I trust that you will take these concerns seriously in the name of accurate and balanced reporting.
Sincerely,
Lynn Naji
Junior Analyst, Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East