"For the above reasons, this op-ed violates basic journalistic standards, even the most limited ones that apply to opinion articles. The author and its publisher should apologize and correct this work of fiction that perpetuates harmful lies about Palestinians and their advocates."
August 15, 2025
Dear Mr. Newman and Mr. Roberts,
I am writing on behalf of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) regarding the opinion article by Terry Newman that was published on August 12, 2025.
Portraying Quebec as being on the verge of a “second October crisis’ over anti-Israel demonstrations is framing that starts from a false premise and distorts the reality. The contexts between the protests against the genocide in Gaza and the FLQ are so different that to compare them takes a huge leap of imagination and/or bias. Simply put, it is not based in fact, the sole expectation of an op-ed.
The approach of the FLQ was violent. By 1970, they had launched more than 200 bomb attacks and caused multiple deaths and injuries.
All antisemitic acts must be condemned in Quebec and elsewhere. Yes, Montreal has seen serious acts (gunfire at Jewish schools, arson at synagogues) but there is no evidence that these are organized actions, but rather the acts of lone-wolves. These actions do not reflect an insurrection comparable to the FLQ in any way. Such a comparison is deeply harmful, portraying an entire movement based on the actions of random, often unknown, unaffiliated individuals.
In contrast, while the current acts of antisemitism are serious and unacceptable, they have, so far, resulted in no bodily injuries and involve far less destructive means. The FLQ organized kidnappings, murders, and other violent activities. Palestinian solidarity groups have never been found to have carried out similar actions in Quebec.
Unlike the FLQ, the protesters in Quebec are part of a connected national and global movement of individuals and organizations. A movement that is advocating for a meaningful response from our elected representatives.
For the above reasons, this op-ed violates basic journalistic standards, even the most limited ones that apply to opinion articles. The author and its publisher should apologize and correct this work of fiction that perpetuates harmful lies about Palestinians and their advocates.
The protests stem from deep frustration after numerous failed attempts to provoke meaningful action by those who have the power to influence what is happening in Gaza. Months of calling for a ceasefire and urging Canada to halt arms shipments to Israel have yielded nothing but half-hearted promises and contradictions.
It is our elected leaders who must act to support a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, to uphold humanitarian and international human rights law and to push for an end to the occupation and dispossession of the Palestinian people. It is the action of everyday citizens that will hopefully convince them to act.
Sincerely,
Debbie Hubbard
CJPME:Okanagan
Kelowna, B.C.