"Writing “the war between Israel and Hamas” and “since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct.7” is not only an insufficient piece of context, but it’s also not a fair and accurate way to describe the genocide in Gaza."
April 8, 2024
To:
Jason Magder, Journalist, Montreal Gazette
Marilena Lucci, Editor in Chief, Montreal Gazette
Jeff Blond, Managing Editor, Montreal Gazette
Dear Jason Magder, Marilena Lucci, and Jeff Blond,
I am writing to express concern for your article: “Montreal’s participation in March of the Living cancelled because of Israel-Hamas war,” published on April 5 in Montreal Gazette.
The intent behind publishing such an article seems to be to generate sympathy for the fact that there will be no Montreal contingent this year for the annual March of the Living Trip to Poland and Israel, but it comes at the expense of omitting any reference to the ongoing genocide unfolding in Gaza.
Writing “the war between Israel and Hamas” and “since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct.7” is not only an insufficient piece of context, but it’s also not a fair and accurate way to describe the genocide in Gaza.
Please add a paragraph about the context in Gaza.
According to UNOCHA, as of April 5, 2024, at least 33,091 Palestinians were killed in Gaza, and 75,750 Palestinians were injured. As of April 1, 28 children have died of malnutrition and dehydration, and 50,000 children under five are acutely malnourished. 2,3 million Gazans are facing starvation. 80% of Gazans have been displaced. 62% of all homes in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed. 10 out of 36 hospitals function partially. Reconstructing Gaza will cost $18,5 bn. [1]
Surely the Montreal Gazette can do better and, at the very least, add a paragraph of context about the situation in Gaza.
Sincerely,
Fatima Haidar,
Media Analyst, Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle Eas