The Media Accountability Project  

Thanks for providing context regarding the scale of Israel’s war crimes

"By emphasizing the tragic impact of Israel’s bombing campaign on civilian infrastructure and the fact that the UN considers Israel’s actions “collective punishment,” you have provided critical context needed for readers to understand the scale of Israel’s war crimes."

January 15, 2024

To:

Ben Cohen, Staff Reporter, Toronto Star

Ana Pereira, Staff Reporter, Toronto Star

Anne Marie Owens, Editor-in-Chief, Toronto Star 

Dear Mr. Cohen and Ms. Pereira,

I am writing to you on behalf of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East to thank you for your article titled “Opposing rallies in Toronto mark 100 days since start of Israel-Hamas conflict,” published on January 15 by Toronto Star.

Often, Canadian articles regarding Israel’s war on Gaza and the wide-ranging responses of Canadians are one-sided and favour pro-Israel perspectives. By including both pro-Israel protestors– who are vouching for the hostages who remain in Gaza– and pro-Palestine protestors – who are vouching for the Palestinians killed by Israel– your article helps convey the widespread frustrations associated with the war on Gaza.

I particularly appreciated the additional context provided following your mention of the 24,000 Palestinians who have been killed by Israel. By emphasizing the tragic impact of Israel’s bombing campaign on civilian infrastructure and the fact that the UN considers Israel’s actions “collective punishment,” you have provided critical context needed for readers to understand the scale of Israel’s war crimes.

Following your statement that some pro-Israeli groups have accused some attendees at pro-Palestine rallies of “supporting Hamas or spreading antisemitism,” you added that speakers at these protests have “rejected these claims, saying they are anti-zionist, not antisemitic, and calling Israel’s actions racist.” By adding the critical perspective of pro-Palestine protestors and speakers, you are reporting a more complete story that represents all sides.

Thank you, Ben Cohen and Ana Pereira, for including pro-Palestinian voices and providing an informative, well-balanced article. Please continue to do so.

Sincerely,

Rose Mardikian,

Media Analyst, Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East

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