"Although your article is centered around the opening of the mosque in St. James, it would have been more appropriate to provide more details on Israel’s bombardment campaign since October 7 and exact language to describe the reality in Gaza. It would help your readers better understand the link between the opening of the mosque and the gripping time described by Ramsey Zeid."
February 19, 2024
To:
Maggie Macintosh, Reporter, Winnipeg Free Press
Paul Samyn, Editor, Winnipeg Free Press
Dear Maggie Macintosh and Paul Samyn,
I am writing to ask for a minor change to the article: “Muslims celebrate new mosque opening,” published on February 17 in Winnipeg Free Press.
I would like to bring your attention to one minor issue in your article.
You write: “He noted the symbolism of opening a mosque on the other side of the world following the destruction of hundreds of masjids (mosques in arabic) in Gaza in recent months.”
Although your article is centered around the opening of the mosque in St. James, it would have been more appropriate to provide more details on Israel’s bombardment campaign since October 7 and exact language to describe the reality in Gaza. It would help your readers better understand the link between the opening of the mosque and the gripping time described by Ramsey Zeid.
There are a lot of elements worth mentioning, but here are just some that you might want to consider adding. According to OCHA, between October 7, 2023, and February 19, 2024, at 12:00, at least 29,092 Palestinians were killed in Gaza, and 69,028 were injured. As of February 16, 2024, 100 schools and universities and 184 mosques have been destroyed, and 31 hospitals are out of service.
I, therefore, ask you to add the exact number of mosques destroyed and more information on Israel’s bombardment campaign and situation in Gaza.
On an ending note, I would like to take the time to thank you for highlighting the reality of Manitoban Muslims and Palestinians by giving voice to Canadian Palestinian Association of Manitoba president Ramsey Zeid. Giving space and voice to Palestinians is needed more than ever.
I hope Winnipeg Free Press will make this change and continue reporting on local news in connection to the situation in Gaza.
Sincerely,
Fatima Haidar,
Media Analyst, Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East