On October 17, 2023, CJPME complained that all three articles published by Tonda MacCharles of the Toronto Star omitted Palestinian casualties despite noting Israelis killed. Given that Israel’s attacks have killed thousands of civilians, these numbers are essential for readers to understand the asymmetrical nature of the violence.
Following CJPME’s complaint, the Toronto Star acknowledged the problem in an email and updated all three pieces.
The three articles are:
- “Israel-Hamas war: Mélanie Joly says sixth Canadian confirmed dead, two others still missing – ‘she was a brilliant, beautiful young woman’”(published October 17),
- “Cabinet minister says her daughter hides her star of David necklace – and that she feels ‘heartbreak and fear’ as a parent”(published October 16)
- “Israel-Hamas war: Canadians trapped in Gaza may be able to leave Saturday, Ottawa says”(published October 13)
We appreciate the Star’s prompt resolution of this issue, but we continue to monitor for similar unfair omissions.