"Suggesting these clear acts of antisemitism were performed by numerous individuals, as opposed to one person, suggests to readers that these were widespread actions by pro-Palestine demonstrators. This, as you will understand, is neither fair nor accurate."
November 25, 2024
To:
Lila Sarick, Editor, Canadian Jewish News
Joel Ceausu, Journalist, Canadian Jewish News
Dear Lila Sarick and Joel Ceausu,
I'm writing on behalf of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East to request a correction of an error in your recent article “Benjamin Netanyahu burned in effigy in Montreal during a Friday night riot” published on November 24, 2024.
The article states: “It all took place a little more than 24 hours after a mob of demonstrators forced their way into Concordia University’s downtown Hall building and briefly occupied the lobby during widespread student strikes across Quebec on Nov. 21, where some people were filmed performing Nazi salutes and warning Jewish counter-demonstrators of the coming “final solution”, and others flashed Hamas symbols.”
The issue lies in the fact that only one individual, Mai Abdulhadi, was identified as both performing the Nazi salute and referencing the "final solution." These acts of antisemitism have received well-deserved condemnation. However, it was one person performing both of these acts, not "some people."
Suggesting these clear acts of antisemitism were performed by numerous individuals, as opposed to one person, suggests to readers that these were widespread actions by pro-Palestine demonstrators. This, as you will understand, is neither fair nor accurate.
I kindly request that you correct this error in your article.
Thank you for your understanding.
Warm regards,
Lynn Naji
Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East