The Media Accountability Project  

"The total absence of any reference to Palestinians in this article is unjustifiable. The distinction your article draws “between those who want Israel to be a Western-facing liberal democracy and those who want to emphasize the country’s more conservative Jewish character” does not concern Jews alone."

"Relatedly, there is no Palestinian perspective whatsoever, despite their central importance in these reforms. The only criticism mentioned is that it will "concentrate power in the hands of Netanyahu and his allies.” Relatedly, there is no Palestinian perspective whatsoever, despite their central importance in these reforms."

"I urge you to redact your previous statement about “terrorist” attacks and refrain from using the word “terrorist” in future broadcasts unless it refers to specific instances that meet the widely accepted definition, as described by the IPI."

"Your reporting left out the word “occupied” when describing the West Bank. In the interest of accuracy, it is essential that the word occupied always be used when mentioning the West Bank, bearing in mind that more than 3 million Palestinians live under Israeli military rule there."

I urge you to stop relying solely on Israeli sources, avoid using Israeli military footage, and give your viewers the basic, necessary context to understand events in Palestine’s occupied territories.

I appreciate that the news segment drew attention to Yair Lapid’s testimony in one of three cases of corruption against Netanyahu who has been accused of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. Thank you for your coverage of this story and I hope CP24 continues to report on any new developments.

Your news segment reported that Israel’s latest airstrike attack on Gaza has killed “4 senior militants and at least 25 people.” It is frankly disappointing that you fail to correctly describe the “25 people” killed as civilians, including at least 4 children.  

By omitting the fact that civilians were killed in Israel’s latest attack on Gaza, you are presenting the narrative preferred by the Israeli military, which says that any Palestinian living in Gaza is a “target.”

"Civilians were definitely impacted by the airstrikes. Your online segment reported that “13 people were killed’ as a result of the airstrikes. However, you failed to mention that most of the casualties were Palestinian civilians including at least 4 children and 4 women; and that 18 people were injured. Included in that death toll was a well-known dentist, Dr. Jamal Khaswan and his family. They lived on the top floor of one of the residential buildings that Israel ‘targeted’."

"Your news segment incorrectly refers to the prayers as taking place in 'Israel' when they are in occupied East Jerusalem, which is considered occupied Palestinian territory according to international law. This is not an opinion but a matter of settled consensus at the international level as confirmed by the United Nations Security Council, the International Criminal Court, the International Court of Justice, and the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention. The official Canadian position, likewise, does not recognize Israeli control over East Jerusalem (including the old city and the Al Aqsa mosque.)"

In the first two weeks of March 2023, there was a series of articles in media outlets reporting on unfair accusations against Sarah Jama, the Ontario NDP candidate in the Hamilton Centre byelection, related to her advocacy for Palestinian human rights. Jama is a well-respected disability rights activist with a long history of speaking out for Palestinians.

In total, CJPME responded to 7 such articles and news broadcasts, including in the Toronto Sun, Toronto Star, and National Post. CJPME took issue with how they had helped to fuel the smear campaign against Jama by relying on highly contestable claims made by the pro-Israel group B’nai Brith Canada, thereby presenting activists in a one-sided and negative light. None of them provided a perspective from the Palestine solidarity movement itself nor mentioned the many civil society groups who support Jama’s activism.

As a result of our persistent advocacy, CJPME’s perspective on Jama’s Palestine activism and the smear campaign against her was incorporated into media coverage on the subject, including articles in the Globe and Mail and Toronto Star, and syndicated elsewhere. The Toronto Star's coverage was also updated to include a Palestinian perspective on the meaning of a popular chant. CJPME also had a statement featured on multiple CP24 news broadcasts aired on March 16 and 17. This helped restore some balance to the otherwise skewed reporting. Jama was elected MPP on March 16. Click here to read all of our letters on this subject.

Like many, we were horrified by the unfair attacks on #hamont MPP @SarahJama_ due her courageous support for Palestinian human rights, but encouraged to see voters reject this smear. Thanks to @CP24 for including our perspective in coverage of last night’s election result. pic.twitter.com/ATE5MYlNnV

— Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (@CJPME) March 17, 2023