"Tristin Hopper’s own article in the National Post from the very same day says that Samidoun “were also allegedly handing out pamphlets explicitly detailing terrorist strategies and how they could be employed” [emphasis added]. Why is that qualifier excluded in his talk radio segment?"
October 15, 2024
To:
John Oakley, 640 Toronto
Heather Purdon, Senior Content & Chase Producer, 640 Toronto
Dear John Oakley and Heather Purdon,
I am writing on behalf of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) to express serious concerns regarding the content of your radio segment that aired at 4:40 PM on Thursday, October 10, 2024, on Talk Radio AM640 during the “The John Oakley Show.” The segment was a conversation between National Post journalist Tristin Hopper and the host.
Specifically, I take issue with the following statement by Tristin Hopper made during the radio show: “At their Monday rally, they [Samidoun] were actually handing out pamphlets that advise, that use the word terrorism like, ‘oh, here's terrorism—the tactic to get what you want...’”
While I recognize that talk radio segments allow for the expression of various viewpoints, it is crucial that all statements are at least rooted in facts. That the pamphlet being referred to here was handed out by Samidoun specifically is an allegation, not a proven fact. Unless this radio show has special evidence, it is unfair to make such a claim even in the context of talk radio. The claim appears to be based on speculation or hearsay. Tristin Hopper’s own article in the National Post from the very same day says that Samidoun “were also allegedly handing out pamphlets explicitly detailing terrorist strategies and how they could be employed” [emphasis added]. Why is that qualifier excluded in his talk radio segment?
The pamphlet in question was not authored by Samidoun, as implied. In fact, the pamphlet was anonymously written and can be found on the Anarchist Library website here. Print-outs of the essay have been shared variously on Twitter from pro-Israel accounts:
https://x.com/mashakleiner/status/1843689052480155694
https://x.com/mashakleiner/status/1844480598737588501
https://x.com/DanielBordmanOG/status/1843697184136671429
These accounts claim that the pamphlets were handed out by Samidoun, but again, none provide evidence.
Hopper also claims that Samidoun “constantly advise people to commit terrorism.” Again, this statement does not seem to be based in fact, as he justifies the comment based on the handing out pamphlets.
Given the above, I insist that your program make an on-air correction to make clear that the argument made on your program was not based on any facts, but hearsay and speculation.
To be clear, this letter is in no way an effort to “defend” Samidoun, but to urge that basic journalistic standards be upheld even when speaking about Samidoun. Further, it has been common for voices in the media to assert that Samidoun is a “central” and leading force in organizing pro-Palestine activities in Canada — there is little evidence that Samidoun is significantly influential in Canada and this narrative results in an unfair delegitimization of the entire, overwhelmingly peaceful pro-Palestine movement in Canada.
Sincerely,
Jason Toney
Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East