"The report should have identified the statement as not being based in fact, and provided that additional context regarding the almost universally-recognized legal status of East Jerusalem. I would ask that you provide an on-air clarification and take the foregoing into account in your future reporting."
AUGUST 20, 2025Dear CBC Radio One Thunder Bay 88.3 newsroom,
I am writing on behalf of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) to provide feedback on your broadcast segment this morning, which aired at 06:00 a.m., discussing Israel’s plans to build additional illegal settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.
First, I thank you for referring to the Palestinian territories as “occupied” and not “disputed”, as Canadian media often does. Leading your report with the legally correct term gives the reader proper context for the information that follows.
I also appreciate your reference to the illegality of Israeli settlements under international law. That said, it would have been more accurate to simply state that the settlements “are” illegal rather than “considered” illegal. While Canadian media often equivocates on the issue, Israel’s own foreign ministry issued a legal opinion in 1967 recognizing that settling the occupied territories would be illegal. And given that the International Court of Justice has ruled on the matter, there is no ambiguity surrounding it. Just as CBC Radio would not describe homicide as being “considered illegal” under Canadian law, it should not use that qualifier here.
I do, however, wish to highlight an important shortcoming in your report. At one point you quote Male Adumim’s mayor calling Jerusalem “our capital city.” While the mayor is entitled to his views, his description of Jerusalem’s status is factually inaccurate. East Jerusalem is and continues to form part of the illegally occupied Palestinian territories and therefore cannot form part of Israel’s capital under international law. The report should have identified the statement as not being based in fact, and provided that additional context regarding the almost universally-recognized legal status of East Jerusalem. I would ask that you provide an on-air clarification and take the foregoing into account in your future reporting.
Sincerely,
Adam Allouba
Media Advocate
Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East
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