"CJPME believes the article's one-sided reporting fails to meet the standards of journalistic integrity. It does not address the arrest warrant for Netanyahu for war crimes, including genocide. While the effigy may be a crude form of freedom of expression, it reflects the anger and frustration of those suffering under Israel's siege on Gaza. The absence of this context shows a clear double standard."
May 28, 2024
To:
Paul Cherry, Journalist, The Montreal Gazette
Marilena Lucci, Editor-in-Chief, The Montreal Gazette
Dear Mr. Cherry and Ms. Lucci,
I am writing on behalf of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East to express my concern regarding your recent article titled “Students horrified after seeing Netanyahu hanged in effigy on McGill's Roddick Gates”published by the Montreal Gazette on May 27, 2024. The article presents a one-sided narrative and fails to provide a fair or balanced perspective by excluding the viewpoints of the protesters and their supporters.
The article is framed around an effigy of Netanyahu in a jailbird costume. Mr. Cherry quotes one of his sources, Jamie Fabian, who incorrectly describes Netanyahu's outfit as "concentration camp attire," which is misleading.
Please indicate in your article that the attire is a jailbird costume and not concentration camp attire.
For clarification, concentration camp clothing is blue and white with vertical stripes, while Netanyahu is depicted in black and white horizontal stripes which is clearly a prisoner outfit. Given the ICC warrant for his arrest, this depiction is fitting and intended to symbolize his status as a war criminal. It’s obviously not an attack on his religious belief. Prisoner outfits for costume parties can be easily purchased from common stores like Walmart or Spirit Halloween.
Also because of the lack of on the ground reporting, the insinuation that it was placed by pro-Palestinian protesters amounts to speculation by the pro-Israeli students upset by the effigy and is unsupported by clear evidence.
Additionally, your coverage predominately includes statements from Jamie Fabian, a pro-Israeli law studentshocked by the effigy of Netanyahu. Mr. Cherry fails to interview any of the students supporting the encampment or the significance behind the effigy if they were the ones who did put it up. This exclusion of basic facts amounts to hearsay and incomplete reporting. Fabian’s opinion is presented as the sole truth of a situation with multiple actors at play and without any corroboration from the protesters themselves. This reflects lazy journalism.
A balanced article should include perspectives from all sides involved, especially those directly affected or participating in the events.
CJPME believes the article's one-sided reporting fails to meet the standards of journalistic integrity. It does not address the arrest warrant for Netanyahu for war crimes, including genocide. While the effigy may be a crude form of freedom of expression, it reflects the anger and frustration of those suffering under Israel's siege on Gaza. The absence of this context shows a clear double standard.
CJPME insists that articles by the Monreal Gazette include perspectives of Pro-Palestinian advocates at university encampments.
Moreover, the article quotes a person involved in filing an injunction against the protests, creating a conflict of interest. Mr. Cherry obviously knows this person is not an impartial observer, and their anonymity further undermines the credibility of their report. Additionally, the claim that the encampment obstructs access to university services is inaccurate. As evidenced by two failed injunctions by McGill, the encampment does not impede students or faculty from reaching their classes.
Providing this information is essential for readers to understand the foundation and urgency of the studentencampments.
Mr. Cherry’s reporting on this issue requires significant revision to ensure a fair and balanced representation. I urge you to consider these points and make the necessary changes to uphold the standards of impartial journalism.
Sincerely,
Anthony Issa
Media Analyst
Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East