The Media Accountability Project  

"Therefore, the use of terms like “terrorist hostages” to describe these detainees is deeply offensive and misleading, given that many are arrested for acts of political resistance or for no discernible reason beyond their identity. It is why readers deserve an explanation of why Smotrich’s language is racist and deflects criticism of Israeli apartheid. The Toronto Star needs to provide readers with this context."

"The Palestine Institute for Public Diplomacy urges journalists to “avoid using misleading and inaccurate terminology,” as such language can create a narrative “far-removed from reality” and can, in some cases, be used deliberately to whitewash Israel’s crimes." 

"As Malcolm X, Edward Said, and Franz Fanon warned, colonial powers and their institutions perpetuate systems that vilify the oppressed while glorifying their oppressors. This framing not only enables Israel’s ongoing genocide against Palestinians but also erases the immense suffering of civilians under its brutal occupation."

"Although Trudeau himself has seldom shown any spine in standing up to US foreign policy directives, to the extent that Trump now calls us the 51st state, few of those interested in justice for Palestinians will mourn Freeland’s departure from cabinet."

By pledging uncritical, “unwavering, ironclad” support, Freeland/Trudeau gave Israel permission to ramp up ethnic cleansing against Palestinians, thereby putting Canadians on the opposite side from the world’s leading organizations for human rights and the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court.

"While I appreciate the inclusion of an op-ed about the situation in Syria, the column is not based on personal interpretation or analysis of facts and instead it is based on misinformation. There were at least two examples of misinformation I found that need to be corrected."

On Nov. 29, 2024, CJPME Media Analyst Anthony Issa published a letter in The Toronto Star responding to an op-ed by Mark McQueen, a former advisor to Brian Mulroney’s PMO, titled “The Left Is Exposing Its Moral Inconsistencies.”

The op-ed uncritically parrotted the misinformed claim that the Arabic song أهذا سلام (“Is This Peace?”) by Japanese Kuwaiti YouTuber Maryam Shehab, should not have been included in a school ceremony. Critics falsely labeled it as a “Palestinian resistance” song, despite its lyrics promoting harmony and aligning well with the themes of Remembrance Day.

In his letter, Mr. Issa condemned the columnist’s statement as baseless and highlighted the anti-Arab racism underlying McQueen’s exaggerated attack on the song.

While we appreciate The Toronto Star for publishing CJPME’s response to this unjust backlash, we remain deeply concerned about media figures like McQueen. The manufactured backlash, fueled by conservative outrage and media sensationalism, culminated in the defacement of the school’s welcome sign with the words “Hamas High.” By framing “Is This Peace?” As controversial, the media perpetuates anti-Arab sentiments and escalate needless hostility. This form of rage-baiting must end before it causes even further harm. 

CJPME is steadfast in its commitment to defending marginalized communities and standing against all forms of discrimination and injustice across Canada.

"The language used in headlines plays a critical role in shaping public perception. By framing the situation as a "tense ceasefire" rather than highlighting Israel's active violations, the headline misrepresents the situation and fails to hold Israel accountable for its violations."

"If the school had played an Arabic rendition of Baby Shark, would that, too, be deemed a “resistance song”?  One could easily find Arabic songs about سلام (peace) accompanied by discussions on Gaza, given it’s a main news topic for many Arab-Canadians affected by the situation. This includes Arab students who attend Sir Robert Borden High School."

"I would like to remind the Toronto Star that my concerns stem from a place of good intention in order to hold journalists and Canadian media accountable in their reporting of Israel-Palestine and raise awareness about harmful stereotypes that vilify Arabs. I look forward to hearing your thoughts."