The Media Accountability Project  

Thanks for the Oct 7 article on St. John's city council's support of Palestinians

In addition to highlighting the role that municipal politics can play in putting pressure on the federal government on behalf of the community concerned about Israel’s ongoing genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza, and providing multiple examples of similar initiatives at municipal level across Canada, the article points out clearly where Canada is falling short, such as the disparity in Canada’s refugee and visa programs for  Palestinians vs. Ukrainians and Afghans, and Canada’s continued export of military components to Israel. 

Dear Independent editorial team and Ms. Iftikhar,

I’m writing to you on behalf of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME, https://www.cjpme.org) to express appreciation regarding the article titled “St. John’s city council passes resolution in support of Palestinians” published on October 7, 2025. 

Both the journalist and the outlet deserve thanks for such solid contextual and factual reporting, which leave the reader informed and inspired. Providing numerous local voices in the article - from government officials to Palestinian activists - makes the article well-rounded and impactful. 

In addition to highlighting the role that municipal politics can play in putting pressure on the federal government on behalf of the community concerned about Israel’s ongoing genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza, and providing multiple examples of similar initiatives at municipal level across Canada, the article points out clearly where Canada is falling short, such as the disparity in Canada’s refugee and visa programs for  Palestinians vs. Ukrainians and Afghans, and Canada’s continued export of military components to Israel. 

The journalist’s use of accurate terminology is also commendable - for example in referring to Palestinians held by Israel (including children) as detainees rather than prisoners. 

The writer is to be applauded for avoiding false equivalencies and for humanizing Palestinians, and those who care about them. 

I encourage The Independent to continue to highlight these substantive issues of concern to Canadians, as we work to collectively draw attention to perspectives and movements that are often sidelined in Canadian mainstream media. 

Sincerely, 

Alison Jenkins

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