"Therefore, the use of terms like “terrorist hostages” to describe these detainees is deeply offensive and misleading, given that many are arrested for acts of political resistance or for no discernible reason beyond their identity. It is why readers deserve an explanation of why Smotrich’s language is racist and deflects criticism of Israeli apartheid. The Toronto Star needs to provide readers with this context."
January 23, 2025
To:
Nicole MacIntyre, Editor-in-Chief, Toronto Star
Debra Yeo, Deputy Editor, Toronto Star
Donovan Vincent, Public Editor, Toronto Star
Allan Woods, Staff Reporter, Toronto Star
Dear Toronto Star newsroom,
I am writing on behalf of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) to express my concern regarding the Toronto Star’s article titled “Israel and Hamas on the brink of ceasefire deal to end war in Gaza Strip.” I am troubled by its unbalanced framing and the use of inflammatory language by Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich without sufficient context.
I take issue with the paragraph that quotes Bezalel Smotrich using the term “terrorist hostages” in place of “Palestinian prisoners.” While it is important to inform readers about the rhetoric used by far right figures in Netanyahu’s coalition cabinet, the Star should have included context about Smotrich’s fascist, racist, and inflammatory political ideology.
Presenting the language used by Smotrich uncritically without raising skepticism towards the dehumanizing term “terrorist” in reference to Palestinians detained under Israel’s apartheid regime perpetuates anti-Palestinian racism as defined by the Arab Canadian Lawyers Association (ACLA). This racism includes dehumanizing Palestinians, erasing their narratives, and stereotyping them as inherently violent or threatening. The blanket characterization of Palestinian detainees as “terrorists” dismisses the reality that many are political prisoners or children, arrested under a discriminatory military legal system that applies only to Palestinians in the occupied territories.
According to human rights organizations, Israel’s dual legal system constitutes apartheid, as it enforces separate and unequal treatment based on nationality and ethnicity. Under this system, Palestinians, including children, are often detained without charge or trial under administrative detention orders. As of December 1, 2024, Israeli authorities held 2,873 Palestinians in administrative detention, marking a three-decade high.. Amnesty International has documented the systematic use of torture and degrading treatment of Palestinian detainees, including beatings, stress positions, and denial of medical care, all of which violate international law.
Therefore, the use of terms like “terrorist hostages” to describe these detainees is deeply offensive and misleading, given that many are arrested for acts of political resistance or for no discernible reason beyond their identity. It is why readers deserve an explanation of why Smotrich’s language is racist and deflects criticism of Israeli apartheid. The Toronto Star needs to provide readers with this context.
Moreover, the article suffers from a lack of balance, primarily reflecting Israeli and U.S. perspectives while sidelining Palestinian voices. Palestinians are reduced to passive actors in a story that profoundly affects them, perpetuating a narrative that erases their agency and perspective.
As outlined in the Canadian Association of Journalists’ ethics guidelines, fairness and diversity in reporting are paramount. The exclusion of Palestinian viewpoints undermines these principles and does a disservice to your readership.
To ensure more balanced and ethical reporting, I urge the Toronto Star to contextualize racist rhetoric from figures like Smotrich, and include more Palestinian voices and perspectives, particularly those directly impacted by ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire to end the 15-month long genocide in Gaza.
Thank you for considering these concerns. I look forward to your response and hope the Toronto Star will strive for more equitable coverage in future reporting on this critical issue.
Sincerely,
Anthony Issa
Media Analyst
Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East