"Perhaps it would’ve been helpful for readers to know that Scotiabank is a major investor in Israeli defense contractor Elbit Systems. There has been a widespread call for a global boycott of Scotiabank for its ties to this arms company which has directly contributed to the genocide and occupation of Palestinians."
April 16, 2024
To:
Marilena Lucci, Editor-in-Chief, Montreal Gazette
Dear Marilena Lucci,
I am writing on behalf of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East to express concern regarding one of The Gazette’s most recent articles, “Montreal police arrest 45 in pro-Palestinian protest at Scotiabank,” published on April 15.
This vague article, supposedly reporting on a pro-Palestinian protest at Scotiabank, provides no context regarding why protestors are organizing at Scotiabank, yet manages to include an inflammatory tweet that condemns the protest. Perhaps it would’ve been helpful for readers to know that Scotiabank is a major investor in Israeli defense contractor Elbit Systems. There has been a widespread call for a global boycott of Scotiabank for its ties to this arms company which has directly contributed to the genocide and occupation of Palestinians. Mentioning the reason for the sit-in beyond it being an expression of “solidarity with the Palestinian people” seems like the bare minimum for an article about the protest.
Given that The Gazette gives voice to a police spokesperson and Major Jeremy Levi, it would be appropriate to include testimony from a demonstrator or an individual supporting the protest at Scotiabank. Otherwise, the article only provides a one-sided view of the events that transpired at Scotiabank, which is journalistically irresponsible.
Near the end of this short article, the journalist reports several protests around Montreal. The surplus of protests and strikes on Monday, April 15, is likely due to the Shut It Down For Palestine campaign. To exclude this important context was either intentional or due to a lack of research. In either case, it’s poor journalism.
Thank you for making these edits promptly.
Sincerely,
Rose Mardikian,
Media Analyst, Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East