Far too often, immigrant communities are exploited as rhetorical tools by conservative politicians who stoke fear and anti-immigrant sentiment. This is especially true regarding Arabs and Palestinians, who have been vilified during elections across North America this year. It's a relief to see journalists who still prioritize fairness and integrity.
December 2 2024
To:
Dave Beers, Editor-in-Chief, The Tyee
Tara Campbell, Managing editor, The Tyee
Jen St. Denis, Reporter, The Tyee
Dear Tyee Newsroom and Ms. St. Denis,
I hope this email finds you well.
On behalf of Canadians for Justice in the Middle East’s Media team, I would like to thank you for the article, “Surrey’s Muslim Community Is Still Waiting to Meet with Brent Chapman.” I appreciate Ms. St. Denis’ thoughtful coverage of the concerns raised by B.C.'s Muslim community regarding the Conservative Party’s history of Islamophobic and anti-Palestinian rhetoric.
It is rare to encounter reporting that highlights how anti-Arab sentiments have become casually embedded in Canadian society and politics. Ms. St Denis' article champions good journalistic standards that platform the voices of marginalized communities.
Far too often, immigrant communities are exploited as rhetorical tools by conservative politicians who stoke fear and anti-immigrant sentiment. This is especially true regarding Arabs and Palestinians, who have been vilified during elections across North America this year. It's a relief to see journalists who still prioritize fairness and integrity.
Your newsroom is probably already aware, but I want to emphasize that J-source runs the Canada Press Freedom Project, and they’ve been maintaining an ongoing database of press freedom violations, and tools and resources for media workers. Recently they’ve been asking journalists who cover the Palestine beat and that receive threats online by Honest Reporting Canada (HRC) to reach out for assistance. I sincerely hope that this doesn’t happen to the Tyee, but just in case, I suggest you bookmark this link as a precautionary measure.
Although resources for journalists covering these sensitive issues remain limited, CJPME’s Media Accountability team is always available to support your newsroom. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance or further collaboration.
Thank you again for this important coverage. Let me know if there are any other ways CJPME can support the Tyee and your reporters.
In solidarity,
Anthony Issa
Media Advocacy Analyst and Journalist
Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East