"I particularly appreciated your efforts in presenting real-life experiences and amplifying the voices of Palestinians, including children who have been traumatized by Israel’s military campaign. Your portrayal of the exhaustion and strain felt by all, including medical personnel, was spot on."
March 21, 2024
To:
Adrienne Arsenault, CBC Chief Correspondent, CBC News
Perlita Stroh, Producer, The National, CBC News
Chad Paulin, Executive Producer, The National, CBC News
Dear Adrienne Arsenault and The National Team,
I am writing on behalf of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) to thank you for your recent segment “On board a flying ER getting injured Palestinians to safety” broadcasted on March 19 by CBC News.
This in-depth segment depicting the suffering and reality faced by the severely wounded civilians from Gaza, even as they get treatment, is greatly valued. I particularly appreciated your efforts in presenting real-life experiences and amplifying the voices of Palestinians, including children who have been traumatized by Israel’s military campaign. Your portrayal of the exhaustion and strain felt by all, including medical personnel, was spot on.
On a different note, this segment could have been enhanced by providing more context on the situation in Gaza, rather than focusing solely on what happens after individuals leave. For example, including information about how Israel's actions have destroyed Gaza's healthcare system and the conditions that have forced people to get evacuated for treatment would have offered valuable perspective for the audience. Highlighting data on the collapse of Gaza's health infrastructure and the number of wounded would have underscored the significance of the limited opportunities for people to leave Gaza and access life-saving medical care.
Furthermore, I want to address the use of the term "injured" in your segment. Referring to individuals as "injured" instead of "wounded" diminishes the severity of their wounds and suffering and the broader context of responsibility. Acknowledging Israel's primary role in this catastrophe is crucial.
Thank you again for shedding light on these critical issues and presenting Palestinian perspectives. I hope you will also consider these critiques for future coverage of Israel’s war on Gaza.
Sincerely,
Mary Ann Matta,
Media Analyst, Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East