The Media Accountability Project  

Your inclusion of Palestinian author Saeed Teebi is important, especially in a time where a lot of the media coverage about Palestinians is negative. Furthermore, including Teebi in this list will allow his work to reach Canadians of all backgrounds, thus empowering Palestinian voices while raising awareness of the challenges faced by Palestinian immigrants in Canada.

It is important that we see coverage such as this, which informs our communities of different cultural events, allowing all to partake and learn more about other cultures, especially given the often negative news stories emanating from Palestine-Israel.

The representation of Palestinian characters and perspectives is often limited in mainstream media. By hosting Jackie Khalilieh, you not only valorize Palestinian-Canadian voices, but you also draw attention to the importance of diversifying representation to include those who may suffer from disabilities.

"It is refreshing to see a video in which Palestinian voices are heard giving their accounts of what took place during the raid by Israeli Forces. Furthermore, Palestinian voices seldom are allowed to express the difficulties and hardships endured living under daily occupation."

"This is important information highlighting that Palestinians are an indigenous population and have been living in these areas for generations."

"I’m aware that the article has come under attack by Honest Reporting Canada. CJPME firmly disagrees with and contests their characterization of the article. I believe Mr. Haluza-DeLay’s piece is an honest, fair assessment of his experience and applaud his courage in speaking openly about it."

I was especially pleased that you chose to tell the story of Huda Zaqqut, whose life feels “like a miracle” in spite of the hardships of living in Gaza.  I appreciated that you pointed out that Gaza is “like a prison”, closed “on all sides” due to Israel and Egypt’s blockade.

I was particularly struck by the statement that “Palestinian folk music became a means of preserving Palestinian cultural identity and heritage in the face of displacement and occupation.” This is an important insight. In the context of occupation, art becomes an indispensable form of resistance.

Your article was excellent in highlighting the challenges that young Palestinian refugees face, especially in Lebanon where they endure restrictions but also suffer from the ongoing economic crisis. I appreciate that you included a variety of Palestinian voices and how you emphasize the resilience of these individuals despite the obstacles they experience in finding jobs, pursuing their interests and in enjoying their basic human rights.

"Palestinian perspectives and experiences are often silenced or deliberately left out of Canadian public discourse. By mentioning such events, you valorize the lived experiences of Canadian Palestinians and draw attention to important events like the Nakba and its ongoing impact on the Palestinian people, culture, and heritage."