"Throughout the segment, the various hosts use the terms 'supporters of Israel' and 'Jewish teachers' interchangeably. These subtle word choices are dangerous, as they foster an association between antisemitism and anti-Zionism. I am confident that there are Jewish teachers and Jews more broadly who are in staunch opposition to Israel who would feel alienated by Global News’ characterization of Jewish people as 'supporters of Israel.'"
July 4, 2024
To:
Global BC, Global News at 11
Dear Global News at 11 team,
I’d like to express serious concern regarding one of your most recent segments regarding thr group of pro-Israel teachers who has filed a human rights complaint against their union, aired on Global News BC1 at 23h on July 2, 2024.
Throughout the segment, the various hosts use the terms “supporters of Israel” and “Jewish teachers” interchangeably. These subtle word choices are dangerous, as they foster an association between antisemitism and anti-Zionism. I am confident that there are Jewish teachers and Jews more broadly who are in staunch opposition to Israel who would feel alienated by Global News’ characterization of Jewish people as “supporters of Israel.”
The false equivalencies in this segment go beyond equating Jewishness to the support of Israel. At one point in the segment, the host states that “since the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel by Hamas, there has been a spike in anti semitism and pro-Palestinine support, often inside classrooms.” Has there been a rise in pro-Palestine support, or anti semitism? Using both of these phrases in a single sentence conflates the two; they are not mutually inclusive.
Language and word choice, especially in news media that is expected to deliver a fair and accurate recount of current events, cannot be overstated. I hope that Global News recognizes this segment’s shortcomings and delivers an on-air correction to its audience.
Sincerely,
Rose Mardikian,
Media Analyst, Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East