| February 24, 2006
Dear Canpalnet readers,
After the publication of my article on CounterPunch, I've received countless
supportive letters and many shared with me their own experiences of trying
to correct the misinformation in our print media to no avail. Many asked if
I had tried to write a letter to the editor and in fact a friend tried to
look up the email address of the Globe's Ombudsman only to find out that the
Globe and Mail no longer have an Ombudsman, but they informed my friend that
readers with complaints are welcome to write a letter to the editor.
This is truly laughable. When I found out with certainty that Mr. Gee has
lied to his readers about the Link he based his editorial on, I sent a
letter to the editor right away. You guessed it, my letter was totally
ignored. So, two days later, I wrote a letter to Mr. Gee which I copied Mr.
Greenspon amongst others at the Globe And Mail on. Only Mr. Gee responded.
I have to admit, he was honest about his position and his emails reflected
his confidence that what he did was normal practice. This was what made me
even more concerned. Below for your viewing are the two letters I sent the
Globe prior to publishing my article:
Feb 15, 2006
Dear Editor,
Re: See Hamas for what it is Editorial- Feb 15, 2006
You said the videos in your editorial were on 'the Hamas website' when I
called you sent me the URL for Palestinian Media Watch - a well known
right-wing propaganda outfit run by Itamar Marcus, an Israeli settler
notorious for his hateful views of the Palestinians and his ability to
stretch the truth. Thus, the Globe first lied to its readers about its
source and second relied entirely on a scurrilous anti-Palestinian source.
The Globe's source Mr. Itamar Marcus came under fire from Israeli journalist
Akiva Elder for routinely feeding the media with excerpts from "Palestinian"
textbooks that call for Israel's annihilation." without bothering to point
out that the texts quoted in fact come from Egypt and Jordan.
Although the videos may be real, they were highly selective for their
provocative nature. The fringes of Israeli media are abundant with
materials that are as hateful against Palestinians. Mr. Marcus's extremist
vision for Palestinians is no better than Hamas's vision for Israelis the
only difference is the later is currently offering a truce.
According to polls by the Near East Consulting Institute 77% of Hamas's
voters want a settlement with Israel. Working for peace is not a question
of optimism it is an obligation.
Shame on you for falling prey to extremist propaganda! Talking about the
conflict between the Arabs and the Israelis in such terms betrays the
humanity of both.
Samah Sabawi
My letter to the Editor was ignored so, on Feb 17, I wrote the following
email to Marcus Gee and copied Mr. Edward Greenspon, Ms. Sylvia Stead and
Mr. Patrick Martin:
Original Message-----
From: Samah Sabawi [mailto:samahsabawi@hotmail.com]
Sent: Friday, February 17, 2006 4:53 PM
To: Gee, Marcus; Greenspon, Edward; Stead, Sylvia; Letters; Martin, Patrick
Subject: questionable source of Mr. Gee's editorial
Dear Mr. Gee,
I must insist on an explanation regarding your Feb 15 editorial. You have
alleged that Hamas presented a video on its website in recent days of a
mission they carried out more than a year ago arguing "the fact that Hamas
is airing the videos now shows it has not changed its depraved views or
methods just because of winning an election."
When I spoke to you on the phone requesting the source you used, I expected
to get a link to the Hamas website, instead I was forwarded a link to the
Palestinian Media Watch. Am I to assume that you do not have proof that the
video was re-produced on the Hamas website?
Your editorial came at a time when already Muslims as a whole were being
painted with a black brush by the media in the aftermath of the Danish
cartoon controversy. More importantly, the editorial surfaced at a time
when our own government is deliberating on a decision regarding the new
Palestinian government. Having not substantiated your argument, one is lead
to believe that you may have attempted to influence that decision by using
unreliable sources.
I understand these allegations are serious. It is for that reason that I
insist that an explanation is warranted. I eagerly await your response.
Samah Sabawi
I hope the Globe will continue to hear from its readers. If you wish to
belong to a media advocacy group please contact me as we are in the process
of forming one.
Samah
samahsabawi@hotmail.com
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