"By not describing it as such, you are presenting it as representative of the Jewish community and their concerns, which is not fair or accurate to the Jewish human rights activists who are against antisemitism but yet critical of the government of Israel and its oppression and occupation of the Palestinian people."
June 27, 2024
Dear Mr. Major, Ms.Waugh and Mr. Nagler
I am writing on behalf of CJPME (www.cjpme.org) to express my concerns with your article “Feds Reviewing New Human Rights Commissioner's Online Posts After Jewish Advocates Raise Concerns,” published on June 25, 2024.
I take foremost issue with your description of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA).
You describe CIJA as a “Jewish advocate,” which is misleading. According to their website, two of CIJA’s three priority areas are ‘Combating Antisemitism’ and ‘Strengthening the Canada-Israel Friendship.’
In many of their campaigns, policies, and actions, CIJA has used the working definition of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) to label any individuals or groups as antisemites if they speak up about the violation of Palestinian human rights. More than 100 Israeli and international civil society organizations reject the use of the IHRA definition because it is being “misused” to protect Israel from legitimate criticism. This definition conflates criticism of Israel with antisemitism.
Furthermore, a review of the Federal Issues Guide on their website suggests that CIJA can be best described as a pro-Israel advocacy organization. By not describing it as such, you are presenting it as representative of the Jewish community and their concerns, which is not fair or accurate to the Jewish human rights activists who are against antisemitism but yet critical of the government of Israel and its oppression and occupation of the Palestinian people.
Please update your description of CIJA to be more accurate.
I hope CBC News will make these changes and be more accurate in future reporting.
Sincerely,
Debbie Hubbard