"There is a chasm between the phrases “Israel’s offensive” and “ongoing genocide.” I believe that many demonstrators would disagree that your description of their demands is even accurate, as opposing a military offensive is different than opposing plausible accusations of genocide."
May 3, 2024
To:
Rachel Lau, CTV News
Chris Bury, CTV News
Dear Rachel Lau and Chris Bury,
I’m writing to express concern about the recent article, “Counter-protesters face off with pro-Palestinian encampment group at McGill University,” published by CTV News Montreal on May 3, 2024.
Your framing of this story makes it sound as if these protests pit Jewish people against non-Jews. That is an oversimplification that unfairly overlooks the reality that many pro-Palestine demonstrators are themselves Jewish. You write, “The school had asked students not to use the Roddick Gates as counter-protesters from the Jewish community descended on the university to make their voices heard. Police said the demonstrations were peaceful and orderly.” What unites the counter-protesters is not their alleged religion (I’m not sure how you can even be sure these were all members of the Jewish community), but their support for Israel in spite of its genocidal attacks against Palestinians in Gaza. Thus, when you note that “Jewish groups chanted and waved Israeli flags,” it’s not fair to omit that Jewish groups like Independent Jewish Voices also chanted and supported Palestinian human rights. Consider also that the encampment at McGill will have a Shabbat dinner this evening.
I insist that you more carefully consider the framing of your articles about protests in support of Palestine or Israel to avoid making it sound as if these are religious conflicts.
Further, you write that “The group says they also want the school to cut academic ties with Israeli institutions and denounce Israel's offensive in Gaza following the Oct. 7 Hamas attack.” Summarizing student demands with whitewashed language is unfair. Students are calling for McGill not to denounce Israel’s offensive, but to “Declare a statement immediately condemning the ongoing genocide against Palestinian people.” There is a chasm between the phrases “Israel’s offensive” and “ongoing genocide.” I believe that many demonstrators would disagree that your description of their demands is even accurate, as opposing a military offensive is different than opposing plausible accusations of genocide.
Please use clear and fair language to represent student demands.
Sincerely,
Jason Toney
Director of Media Advocacy, Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East