"Thank you for also pointing out that not only Dr. Thomson's but many other voices for Palestine are being stifled by institutions. I was especially pleased to see the link to your November 24, 2023 article, " A chill has crept into Ontario's health sector..." We can still ask the same question you asked then: "" In what world are doctors saying "stop killing" or "don't bomb hospitals" contradicting their professional, moral, or ethical obligations?" "
To:
Shree Paradkar, Toronto Star Columnist
Anne Marie Owens, Editor-in-Chief, Toronto Star
Dear Ms Paradkar and Ms Owen,
I am writing on behalf of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME.org), Saskatoon Chapter, to thank you for the opinion article: "This doctor was suspended after his Tweets on the Israel-Hamas conflict drew controversy. Now he's suing." published in the Toronto Star on March 23, 2024.
I appreciate the amount of detail you provide of Dr. Thomson's statement of claim in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. It sheds light on the consequences medical workers face for social media posts in solidarity with Palestine and Palestinians.
Despite Dr. Thomson's long work experience in Gaza -which would have given him insights and knowledge justifying his support for Palestinians and questioning Israeli statements- Mackenzie Health saw this as unprofessional conduct.
On the other hand, the hospital did not stop "defamatory" statements on its Facebook page, and there were "no consequences for doctors inciting hatred or violence towards Palestinians and who publicly expressed support for breaches of international law against civilians in Gaza."
Your article suggests that Dr. Thomson apparently and unfortunately is held to a different standard of professional conduct than his colleagues.
You point out Mackenzie Health's claims that it suspended Dr. Thompson "in the interest of safety" ; however, we learn that York regional police said the telephone threat was "low risk" and restrictions on his work were unnecessary, casting doubt on the veracity of Mackenzie Health's statement.
Thank you for also pointing out that not only Dr. Thomson's but many other voices for Palestine are being stifled by institutions. I was especially pleased to see the link to your November 24, 2023 article, " A chill has crept into Ontario's health sector..." We can still ask the same question you asked then: "" In what world are doctors saying "stop killing" or "don't bomb hospitals" contradicting their professional, moral, or ethical obligations?" "
Thank you for giving a humanitarian a voice and exposing the double standard that seems to be applied to those advocating for Palestinian human rights.
Sincerely,
Renée Nunan-Rappard