"I was also disappointed in how little nuance Boudjikanian brought in his description of Jewish and/or pro-Israel pressure on the Liberals. While the government has indeed been “accused by Jewish groups of not being supportive enough of Israel,” many might describe these groups as overtly pro-Israel."
To:
Raffy Boudjikanian, Senior Reporter, CBC
Nancy Waugh, CBC News, Senior Manager
Dear Mr. Boudjikanian, Ms. Waugh,
While normally I hold Mr. Boudjikanian’s reporting in good regard, I was very disappointed in his coverage of the potential appointment of Anthony Housefather in the article of June 25 entitled, “Liberal MP Housefather's appointment to role fighting antisemitism delayed by concerns about caucus divisions.”
First, I found Mr. Boudjikanian’s description of the March NDP motion relating to the events of Oct. 7 and following to be extremely reductive. He referred to it as “an NDP motion criticizing Israel's conduct in its conflict with Hamas.” I remind you that the CBC’s own coverage of the motion, after it passed, was in an article entitled, “NDP motion on Palestinian statehood passes after major amendments.” How do we get from a motion “on Palestinian statehood” to a motion “criticizing Israel’s conduct.” The motion actually had several clauses, touching foremost on the tragic inability of Canada to call clearly for an end to hostilities. That Boudjikanian can only parrot Housefather’s take on the motion is unrepresentative and disappointing.
I was also disappointed in how little nuance Boudjikanian brought in his description of Jewish and/or pro-Israel pressure on the Liberals. While the government has indeed been “accused by Jewish groups of not being supportive enough of Israel,” many might describe these groups as overtly pro-Israel. The most prominent of these groups, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, openly touts its commitment to defending Israel, and others like B’nai Brith Canada are hardly less explicit. In reality, the Jewish community is highly divided over Israel’s violence in Gaza, with many groups openly opposed to Israel’s brutal violence, and many Jewish-Canadians participating in student protest encampments. Canada’s Jewish community is not a monolith, and Boudjikanian should not present it as such.
And while antisemitism is certainly and unfortunately on the rise since Oct. 7, Boudjikanian should be aware that there are multiple reports asserting that the credibility of B’nai Brith Canada’s recent report is highly suspect. The report has been highly criticized because it repeatedly frames criticisms of Israel as antisemitic, including expressions of solidarity with Palestine. Rather than citing the report of a pro-Israel lobby organization, a more professional journalist would cite neutral and public police or government reports.
As a senior reporter with the CBC, Boudjikanian can and must do better. Should you wish to discuss further, you can reach me at 438-380-5410.
Sincerely,
Thomas Woodley, MPA
President, Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East