Problematic framing of 'cycle of violence' in the Toronto Star
"There is a problematic framing of a ‘cycle’ (or “round” in this case) of violence between Israel and Palestinians, in which Palestinian attacks on Israelis lead to Israeli raids in Palestine. ‘More attacks, more raids.’ There is an element of truth to this framing, as the actions of either party has consequences, often triggering a response. However, it is deeply inadequate."
Continue reading
No mention of occupation in CP24 news segment
"Although the news segment in question is very brief, it is incredibly biased that you fail to mention that the West Bank is militarily occupied by Israel since 1967. In your news segment, you claim that “the militants opened fire on troops near the city of Nablus.” This statement reflects the fact that Israeli soldiers are stationed in the Palestinian city of Nablus as an occupying force. You should also be aware that the UN General Assembly has recently asked the International Criminal Court to determine whether Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian Territories is illegal, given that it has become a de facto annexation. By omitting such important information, you are failing to meet basic journalistic standards."
Continue reading
No mention of Palestinian killed in Huwara pogrom on CBC's The National
"There is a significant error in this segment which requires an on-air correction. When describing the Israeli settler attack on the Palestinian town of Huwara (Hawara), you reported that “a mob attacked Palestinian homes and businesses,” but did not mention that 37-year-old Sameh al-Aqtash had been killed by Israeli fire during that attack."
Continue reading
Racist and unfounded depiction of Palestinian chant in Toronto Star
"Jama’s critics (and subsequently, your article) are wildly misrepresenting the meaning of the Palestinian chant, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” which is a simple and legitimate call for freedom for all Palestinians under Israeli rule. Yousef Munayyer writes in Jewish Currents that the chant refers to “a state in which Palestinians can live in their homeland as free and equal citizens, neither dominated by others nor dominating them.” As he writes, “the claim that [it] carries a genocidal intent relies not on the historical record, but rather on racism and Islamophobia.”
Continue reading
Inaccurate and misleading characterization of the Israeli army as diverse and inclusive
"Israeli society is made up of approximately 21% of Palestinians, who are marginalized and excluded from receiving any employment, healthcare, education and military benefits. While Israel exercises a policy of mandatory conscription, Muslim, and Christian Palestinian citizens are exempt from military service because they are deemed “disloyal” and “untrustworthy” by Israel. Furthermore, the refusal of Palestinians to join the Israeli army is exemplary of the continued military occupation of Palestinian land including the West Bank and Gaza Strip and their violent treatment of Palestinians. In other words, the military is not inclusive or diverse but segregationist."
Continue reading
Israeli casualty figures falsely doubled and Palestinian numbers omitted on CBC As It Happens
"14 Israelis have been killed this year according to The Associated Press. 7 of these casualties occurred during a January 27th shooting in Jerusalem.[i] As such, the number given by Ms. Sommer was a significant error requiring correction — double the real total during the stated period."
Continue reading
Misleading descriptions of Palestinian resistance by CityNews Toronto
"When Israel carries out arrest raids it is often met with Palestinian resistance. However, as The Associated Press itself regularly reports, much of the resistance is typically from unarmed civilians throwing stones or committing other acts of non-violent civil disobedience. Often, innocent civilians are killed during these arrest raids. 15 children have been killed as a result of Israeli military and settler violence this year alone."
Continue reading
Factual error on number of Israeli settlers in occupied West Bank in Toronto Star article
"Further, you still claim that since 1967, 'more than 500,000 Jewish settlers have moved into dozens of settlements' which is factually incorrect as it excludes settlers living in east Jerusalem which is occupied territory as recognized by the international community. According to Foundation for Middle East Peace, 'by 2014 there were some 700,000 Israeli Jews living in settlements in the occupied territories.' This is a factual error that must be corrected."
Continue reading
Unfounded claims against a political candidate and lack of Palestinian perspective
"I insist that you update your article to include a Palestinian perspective regarding the meaning of this legitimate chant, instead of relying on interpretations sourced entirely by perspectives which are hostile to Palestinian narratives and activism."
Continue reading
Israeli-only footage used in report on Jenin raid by CP24
"There is a huge issue with the asymmetrical nature of the video used in the segment, which exclusively used video sourced from the Israeli army, which was specifically released for Israeli public relations purposes. It is a serious ethical issue if the party which is accused of a violent attack is also allowed to provide the sole visual representation of that event. It is your responsibility as professional journalists to provide a balanced report."
Continue reading
