Conflating a pro-Palestinian protest chant with antisemitism is neither fair nor accurate; it rests on an exaggerated interpretation presented as fact. This is not fair or balanced journalism.
To the Winnipeg Free Press,
I am writing on behalf of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (www.cjpme.org) to raise a serious concern regarding your article, “Australian hate tracker to visit for discussions on AI’s role in the rise of antisemitism,” published on Monday, January 26, 2025.
In the article, faith reporter John Longhurst cites André Oboler, CEO of Australia’s Online Hate Prevention Institute, who clearly distinguishes between legitimate criticism of the Israeli government and antisemitism, noting that individuals can be pro-Palestinian or critical of Israel “without being antisemitic.”
Yet, taking Oboler’s own distinction at face value, it is striking that Longhurst then uncritically repeats the claim that the phrase “globalize the intifada” inherently incites violence against Jews everywhere.
Conflating a pro-Palestinian protest chant with antisemitism is neither fair nor accurate; it rests on an exaggerated interpretation presented as fact. This is not fair or balanced journalism.
The term intifada refers, quite literally, to a people rising up against injustice and oppression. Historically, it also refers to the first major Palestinian uprising beginning in 1987, following the killing of four Palestinian workers when an Israeli military truck collided with their vehicle.
To treat a Palestinian chant as synonymous with antisemitism is to weaponize antisemitism itself; using it to delegitimize Palestinian political expression and silence solidarity with a people enduring Israel’s brutal occupation and genocide as documented by leading human rights organizations and concluded by the International Court of Justice.
I urge you, in future reporting, to apply greater care and precision in defining antisemitism.
Misusing the term and conflating antisemitism with legitimate criticism of Israel does not strengthen the fight against antisemitism; rather, it undermines it by turning it into a political tool used to silence Palestinians who, as we speak, are being subjected to Israel’s bombs and settler violence.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter of concern. I write in good faith and hope you will take this feedback into consideration.